[2.97 million new urban jobs in the first quarter] the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Affairs released data on 24 April showing that 2.97 million new urban jobs were created in the first quarter, an increase of 4 percent over the same period last year. The unemployment rate surveyed in cities and towns in March was 5.3%, down 0.5 percentage points from the same period last year and 0.3 percentage points lower than the previous month. The employment situation has gradually improved and the overall stability has been maintained. With the economic recovery and the expansion of labor demand, the employment situation is expected to continue.