China has marked a significant milestone in employment by creating 12.56 million new urban jobs in 2024, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The nation’s surveyed urban unemployment rate dropped to 5.1%, a slight decrease from the previous year.
“The employment situation remained generally stable,” said Lu Aihong, spokesperson for the ministry, at a press conference held on Tuesday. One of the standout achievements is that over 33.05 million people who had been lifted from poverty were employed by the end of 2024, showcasing China’s ongoing efforts to combat poverty and promote inclusive growth.
In addition, the number of social security card holders across the country reached nearly 1.39 billion, including 1.07 billion digital social security card users. Social security cards, which come in both physical and digital forms, play a crucial role in providing access to social services, and many individuals possess both types.
Lu also highlighted the ministry’s efforts in enhancing vocational skills among the workforce. “Over 12 million individuals obtained vocational skill-level certificates or professional qualification certificates last year,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of standardized management in vocational competence assessment.
Looking ahead, the ministry announced plans for 2025, including a targeted employment support program aimed at key sectors, industries, and grassroots urban and rural areas. This initiative will focus on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, establishing mechanisms for collecting and releasing information on job positions related to major projects.
The ministry is also set to accelerate research and formulate policies to enhance the appeal of the private pension system, catering to the aging population and promoting long-term financial security for citizens.
By the end of 2023, over 70,000 human resource service agencies were operating nationwide, employing 1.06 million people. These agencies provided services to 300 million workers and nearly 56 million employers, with approximately 40% of these employers in the manufacturing sector, according to official Zhang Wenmiao.
Youth employment remains a top priority for the ministry. Chen Yongjia, another official with the ministry, announced plans to introduce a youth job creation program in 2025. The program will include measures to boost employment for college graduates and promote entrepreneurship among young people.
China’s commitment to job creation and employment stability reflects its ongoing efforts to foster economic growth and improve the livelihoods of its residents. With new programs on the horizon, the focus on supporting young people and emerging enterprises is set to drive further development in the coming years.
Reference(s):
China adds 12.56m new urban jobs in 2024, employment situation stable
cgtn.com
