The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) indicates that the number of unemployed persons increased by 330,000 to 8.2million during the first quarter of 2024.
According to Stats SA, the official unemployment rate stands at 32.9 %. This is an increase of 0.8 of a percentage point in first quarter of 2024 (Q1: 2024). The figure is compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 (Q4: 2023).
Results of the QLFS also indicate that the number of employed persons increased by 22,000 to 16.7million. This in the first quarter of 2024, compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.
Unemployment rate increase by 0.8 of a percentage point
“Additionally, the number of people who were not economically active for reasons other than discouragement decreased by 214 000 to 13.1million. While discouraged work-seekers decreased by 1,000 in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. This resulted in a net decrease of 215,000 in the not economically active population.
“The above changes in employment and unemployment resulted in the official unemployment rate increasing by 0.8 of a percentage point from 32.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023 to 32.9% in the first quarter of 2024. The unemployment rate also increased by 0.8 of a percentage point to 41.9% in Q1: 2024 compared to Q4: 2023.”
Formal sector employment increased by 56,000 in Q1: 2024. While informal sector employment decreased by 100 000 over the same period.
“The industries that contributed to the net employment increase include trade (up by 109,000). Manufacturing (up by 99,000), private households (up by 44,000) and transport (up by 39,000). Also agriculture (21,000) and mining (9,000). Employment losses were recorded in community and social services (122,000) and construction (106,000). Finance (50,000) and utilities (17,000),” Stats SA said.
Gauteng, KZN saw increase in employment
Provinces that recorded increases in employment were KwaZulu-Natal (35,000), Gauteng (26,000) and Northern Cape (4,000). This compared to the previous quarter Q4:2023 and Q1:2024.
Those that recorded decreases in employment were Western Cape (17,000), followed by North West (13,000). Mpumalanga decreased to (8,000), Eastern Cape (4,000) and Limpopo (3,000), while Free State remained unchanged.
“The youth (15 to 34 years) remain vulnerable in the labour market. First quarter of 2024 results show that the number of unemployed youth increased by 236,000 to 4.9million. There was a decrease of 7,000 in the number of employed youth to 5,9million. This resulted in an increase in the youth unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. From 44.3% in Q4: 2023 to 45.5% in Q1: 2024,” Stats SA said.
- SAnews.gov.za
