(Yicai Global) Dec. 15 -- China's unemployment rate rose to a six-month high last month due to the impact of Covid-19, official figures showed today. But as the economy recovers, the demand for labor will rise, according to an official.

The surveyed urban unemployment rate was 5.7 percent in November, up from 5.5 percent the previous month, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics. It was the higest since May’s 5.9 percent.

Pressure on the jobs situation increased last month, as enterprises faced greater operational difficulty amid the resurgence of Covid-19 in the country, according to NBS spokesperson Fu Linghui. But the gradual economic recovery will drive up labor demand and increase employment opportunities, he added.

Joblessness among people aged between 25 and 29, who constitute the main part of the labor force, rose to 5 percent in November from 4.7 percent in October. The rate for this age group was running at 6.7 percent in 31 big cities, the second highest level this year.

In addition, the average weekly hours worked by company employees slid to 47.7 hours from 47.9 hours in the prior month.

The pickup in service sector areas such as hospitality, catering, and tourism due to the relaxation of Covid-19 controls will help improve the employment situation, Fu said. Meanwhile, local governments will roll out policies to create more jobs, help major unemployed groups and guarantee stable employment, Fu added.

Editor: Peter Thomas