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China jobs: Gen Z graduates turn to cleaning as Beijing looks to domestic services to mop up unemployed youth, veterans
- China’s youth unemployment rate rose to a record high in June, pushing Beijing to vow to put job creation at the forefront of its plans in the second half of the year
- A record 11.58 million graduates are entering China’s workforce this year, with steps taken to encourage the housekeeping industry to employ young people and veterans
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This is the fourth in a series on how a tumultuous first half of 2023 featured economic pitfalls and headwinds that have left China struggling to shake off years of Covid-induced rust.
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Two months after being laid off by a film and television company in Shenzhen in May, Deng Jun returned to his hometown in Hunan province to take up a job in the domestic service industry.
The 21-year-old, who started work in December before graduating in June with a major in post-production having, is in the process of completing a 30-day training course as part of his probation period, during which time he will earn 2,000 yuan (US$278) per month.
“The employment situation this year is becoming increasingly pessimistic. It is so hard to find a job,” said Deng, who is one of a record 11.58 million graduates entering China’s workforce this year.
It is much better than staying at home every day
China’s youth unemployment rate for the 16-24 age group rose to a record 21.3 per cent in June, with the overall economy struggling with its post-coronavirus recovery and private businesses struggling for confidence.
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