Employment figures disappointing - Solidarity

The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by Statistics SA (Stats SA) today has put paid to the expectation of a continued rise in total employment in South Africa. Following the sharp drop in 2009 at the time of the recession, levels of employment remained virtually constant for two years in spite of an upswing in economic growth. According to trade union Solidarity, it is disappointing that the number of employed people has dropped by 75 000, despite the record increase during the third quarter of 2011 and the subsequent increase during the fourth quarter.

"Positive figures had been released by Stats SA since the third quarter of 2011, but as seasonal factors always push employment upwards during the fourth quarter, we had to wait until today to see whether the rising trend would continue," Paul Joubert, economics researcher at the Solidarity Research Institute (SRI), said. 

The official unemployment rate rose from 23,9% to 25,2% in the last quarter and the broad unemployment rate, which includes discouraged jobseekers, rose from 35,4% to 36,6%. "This means that four out of ten South Africans who are looking for work are unable to find suitable employment," Joubert explained.

"There are still roughly 421 000 fewer jobs compared with three years ago at the start of the recession," according to Joubert. "In addition to this, the number of South Africans of working age (15-64 years) is growing by approximately 500 000 every year," he added.

Statement issued by Paul Joubert, Economics researcher: Solidarity Research Institute, May 8 2012

Source: Statssa.gov.za

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