South Africa Unemployment Rate Decreases to 24.9% in Q4 2012


The labour force decreased by 235 000 persons between the third quarter of 2012 and the fourth quarter of 2012. This decrease was reflected in a decrease in the number of both unemployed persons (166 000) and employed persons (68 000), which saw the unemployment rate decline by 0.6 of a percentage point from 25.5 percent to 24.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012.

A decrease in employment was attributable to job losses experienced in the formal sector (down by 52 000) and Private households (down by 8 000). Employment in agriculture and in the informal sector increased by 24 000 (3.6%) and 8 000 (0.4%) respectively. The number of discouraged work-seekers increased by 87 000 between the third quarter of 2012 and the fourth quarter of 2012, while other not economically active persons increased by 259 000.

Compared to a year ago, in the fourth quarter of 2012, employment increased by 0.6 percent (80 000), unemployment increased by 6.1 percent (257 000), the number of discouraged work-seekers decreased by 2.5 percent (58 000) and other (not economically active) increased by 1.4 percent (180 000), resulting in a net increase of 121 000 in the not economically active population.

South Africa Unemployment Rate Decreases to 24.9% in Q4 2012


Statistics South Africa | Joana Taborda | joana.taborda@tradingeconomics.com
2/5/2013 3:22:16 PM


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