Year In Review: China’s Downsized Post-Pandemic Job Market Feels the Strain

Employment has become one of the most discussed and critical issues in China this year. Amid a patchy post-pandemic economic recovery and global downward pressure, China has seen increased layoffs, reduced hiring, and a record number of graduates trying to enter the workforce.

China’s youth unemployment rate reached a record high in the second quarter, with many fresh graduates choosing to delay their job searching process by pursuing further education or preparing for the national civil servant exam. In mid-August, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) suspended the release of unemployment data for specific age groups including 16- to 24-year-olds.