The unemployment rate increased by 0.3 percent between the first and second quarters of this year to reach 25.5 percent, Statistics SA said yesterday.
The increase in the number of unemployed has resulted in an increase in the unemployment rate above pre-recessionary levels.
The Quarterly Labour Force Survey revealed that almost 5.2 million people were unemployed. The unemployment rate increase was greatest among the coloured and white populations, increasing by 1.8 percent and 1.5 percent respectively.
The expanded unemployment rate, which also included people not actively seeking work, reached 35.6 percent in the second quarter. There were about 2 419 000 discouraged job seekers, down from about 2 425 000 year-on-year.
“The labour force participation rate remains below the pre-recession level because discouragement has increased.”
While the number of people employed dropped in seven out of 10 recorded industries compared to the first quarter, the overall number of workers increased by 39 000 to almost 15.1 million. “Employment outcomes are mixed, while jobs have been created in the post-recession period, this has not resulted in an increase in the absorption rate to the levels witnessed before the recession.” – Sapa