The results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the second quarter of 2019 released by Statistics South Africa, indicate that the official unemployment rate increased by 1, 4 percentage points to 29, 0% compared to the first quarter of 2019.\u00a0 The number of unemployed persons increased by 455\u00a0000 to 6, 7 million in Q2: 2019 compared to Q1:\u00a02019, resulting in an increase of 476\u00a0000 in the labour force.
\nThe South African working-age population increased by 150\u00a0000 in Q2:2019 compared to Q1:2019. The results further indicate that the number of discouraged work-seekers decreased by (248\u00a0000) and the other not economically active population by 77 000 resulting in the net decrease of 326\u00a0000 in the number of those who were not economically active.
\nEmployment in the Formal sector and Private households declined by 49\u00a0000 each. The Informal sector and Agriculture on the other hand recorded increases of 114\u00a0000 and 5\u00a0000 respectively.
\nAn increase of 21 000 in the number of people in employment in the second quarter of 2019 was mainly driven by Trade (84\u00a0000), Community and social services (48\u00a0000), Construction (24\u00a0000) and Manufacturing (9\u00a0000). However, employment losses were recorded in Private households (49\u00a0000), Transport (42\u00a0000), Mining (36 000) and Finance and other business services (21\u00a0000).
\nThere were approximately 10, 3 million persons aged 15\u201324 years in Q2:2019. The percentage of young persons aged 15\u201324 years who were not in employment, education or training (NEET) decreased by 0,9 of a percentage point to 32,3% (3,3 million) compared to Q1:2019. Of the 20, 4 million young people aged 15-34 years, 40, 3% were not in employment, education or training (NEET) \u2013 a decrease of 0, 3 percentage points compared to Q1:2019.
\nFor technical enquiries, contact:
\nGwen Lehloenya – Acting Deputy Director-General: Population and Social Statistics
\nTel: 012 310 9324
\nCell: 082 888 2323
\nE-mail: GwenL@statssa.gov.za<\/a>
\nMs Malerato Mosiane – Acting Chief Director: Labour Statistics
\nTel:\u00a0 012 310 8688
\nCell: 082 888 2449
\nE-mail: MaleratoM@statssa.gov.za<\/a>
\nEnquires contact:
\nLesedi Dibakwane
\nTel: 012 310 8578
\nCell: 082 805 7088
\nE-mail: LesediD@statssa.gov.za<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n