Employment outlook survey: Western Cape jobs outlook shows that DA governments drive job creation

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is encouraged by the findings of the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, conducted by a leading international employment agency, which shows that the implementation of DA policy by provincial and local governments drives job creation where we are in power.

Based on interviews with a representative sample of 755 employers across the country, the survey, which can be read in full here, finds that firms in the Western Cape have by far the most optimistic hiring plans of any province for the second quarter of 2011. The only DA-run province has a net employment outlook of +9% (the percentage of employers anticipating employment to increase, minus the percentage expecting to see a decrease in employment). In contrast to the outlook in the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape has a net employment outlook of -1%, Gauteng of 4%, KwaZulu-Natal of 3% and the Free State of 5%.

The survey in question, which is carried out on a quarterly basis in 39 countries, has established an impressive track record in predicting near-future job growth. It measures expected national job growth, but also regional variations in job growth within each country, and has accurately forecast South African employment trends in the past.

The findings of this survey are encouraging news for the people of the Western Cape. The survey shows that the province's strategy of removing constraints to economic growth is generating new employment opportunities and combatting poverty. Relative to those in other provinces, Western Cape job-seekers are beginning to enjoy the fruits of a provincial administration focussed on the creation of jobs and opportunities for all.

Statement issued by Tim Harris MP, Democratic Alliance Shadow Minister of Trade & Industry, March 10 2011

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