Employment Holds Up
China's urban surveyed unemployment rate averaged 5.2% in the first half of 2026, the NBS said, with June reading 5.0% — down 0.1 percentage point from May. The figures point to a broadly stable labour market even as the economy transitions away from property-led growth.
Breakdown
| Group | June 2026 |
|---|---|
| National average | 5.0% |
| Local residents | 5.0% |
| Migrant residents | 4.9% |
| Agricultural migrant workers | 4.8% |
| 31 major cities | 5.0% |
Average weekly working hours held at 48.2 hours, and the stock of migrant workers at end-Q2 reached 192.27 million, up 0.5% YoY.
The Structural Challenge
Youth employment remains a focal point: in May, the surveyed unemployment rate for those aged 16–24 (excluding students) was 15.6%, versus 7.2% for 25–29 and 4.1% for 30–59 — underscoring the need for targeted support for new entrants even as the aggregate rate stays calm.
Outlook
Sustained services growth and the expansion of new-quality industries are the main engines absorbing labour. Policymakers continue to prioritise employment, especially for graduates and vulnerable groups.