China's Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) said on Thursday that more than 11 million people had found employment in the first 11 months. The figure is expected to exceed 12 million for the year.

Tian Chengping, head of the MLSS, said that the unemployment rate in urban areas stood at four percent at the end of the third quarter, down 0.1 percentage point as compared with the end of last year.

Retirement pension had increased from 714 yuan ($97) per month three years ago to 963 yuan in 2007, up 26 percent. The ministry said it would continue to raise the pension for another three years. No details were provided.

In addition, more than 50 million people had joined the basic medical insurance this year due to a pilot program carried out in 79 cities. This insured unemployed urban residents, including students and children, against illness, Tian said.

The total revenue of social insurance funds was expected to grow 19 percent to break one trillion yuan this year, he said.

By the end of last month, migrant workers who joined the work injury insurance and medical insurance increased 12.6 million and 6.86 million, respectively, this year to stand at 379.9 million and 305.3 million.

State Councilor Hua Jianmin urged for improvements in the social insurance system and to put in place policies regarding migrant workers.

He said that the past five years had been a success for the labour and social insurance work. In addition, the legitimate rights of workers had been effectively protected due to the efforts.

According to MLSS, another 10 million people were expected to find employment next year. The unemployment rate in urban areas should be kept under 4.5 percent.