China's job market stable in first half of 2024 with nearly 7 million new jobs

China's job market remained stable in the first half of 2024, creating 6.98 million new urban jobs, according to Chen Feng, spokesman for the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The growth was attributed to economic recovery, rising service consumption, robust industrial growth, and the rapid development of new productive forces, Chen said at a briefing on Tuesday.

Youth employment remained stable during this period. As the graduation season continues, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has launched a youth employment service initiative to assist young jobseekers, particularly fresh graduates, according to Yun Donglai, deputy director of the ministry's employment promotion department.

"The initiative includes several measures," Yun said. "The ministry has instructed local human resources departments to issue open letters to graduates, outlining online and offline support channels, recruitment platforms, service agencies, and policy resources."

In collaboration with education authorities, the ministry has established a real-name registry to provide graduates with at least one policy briefing and career guidance session, three job recommendations, and one training or internship opportunity, Yun added.

"Services such as job expansion and social insurance subsidies have been rolled out to encourage key industries and enterprises to hire graduates," Yun said.

Intensive recruitment events, including offering 10 million positions for jobseekers over the next 100 days, are being held regularly, with weekly job fairs and monthly specialized events, Yun said.

"For graduates from low-income families, jobless families, and those with disabilities, the ministry is implementing individualized support, prioritizing stable employment opportunities," Yun said.

Yun added that for long-term unemployed youth, the ministry has organized practical guidance activities to stimulate intrinsic motivation for employment.

"To protect jobseekers' rights, the ministry is actively regulating the human resources market, cracking down on illegal activities such as fake recruitment and wire fraud," Yun said. "We are also addressing all forms of employment discrimination and unreasonable restrictions, creating a fair and healthy job market for graduates."