Explainer | What is China’s youth unemployment rate, which hit a record high in April, and why does it cover ages 16 to 24?
- The unemployment rate for the 16-24 age group in China hit a record high of 20.4 per cent in April, after rising from 19.6 per cent in March
- Rising youth joblessness is one of Beijing’s biggest headaches, threatening the top leadership’s bottom line of ensuring social stability
What is China’s youth unemployment rate?
China’s youth unemployment rate refers to the percentage of unemployed people who are between the ages of 16 and 24 with the “ability” and “willingness” to work.
It is a key indicator for Beijing to gauge social stability and economic growth.
It mainly covers recent graduates from high schools or vocational schools, who are aged between 15-18, and college students, who often graduate at the age of around 22.
China’s nine-year compulsory education enables students over six years old nationwide to have free education at both primary school and junior secondary school, but senior secondary school and college education are not compulsory.
Recent graduates often find it difficult to find employment due to their lack of experience, specialised skills and qualifications.
Is youth unemployment in China a new problem?
China began announcing a youth unemployment rate in 2018, and in January 2018, it stood at 11.2 per cent.
