South African Labour stats – Sharp rise in unemployment rate

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The unemployment rate increased from 27,6% in the first quarter of 2019 to 29,0% in the second quarter of 2019. This is as a result of an increase of 455 000 in the number of people who are unemployed and an increase of 21 000 in employment. These alarming results were released earlier this week by Statistics South Africa.

According to the survey, these figures mark the highest increase in the number of unemployed persons in the second quarter of the year since 2013 and its the highest unemployment rate since Q1 of 2008.

The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) is a household-based sample survey conducted by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). It collects data on the labour market activities of individuals aged 15 years and older who live in South Africa. However, this report only covers labour market activities of persons aged 15–64 years. The latest report presents the key findings of the QLFS conducted from April to June 2019 (Q2: 2019).

(source: www.statssa.gov.za)

Click here to download the media release that highlights the key findings.

Click here to download the detailed Quarterly Labour Force Survey.