The latest Quarterly Employment Statistics survey released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), revealed that total employment in the formal non-agricultural sector decreased by 67 000 in the first quarter of 2024, bringing the level of employment to 10,7 million.
“The survey showed that 74 000 jobs were lost between March 2023 and March 2024.
Total number of employees declined by 67 000, or -0,6%.
This is a decrease from the 10 731 000 reported in December 2023 to 10 664 000 in March 2024,” said Stats SA’s Director for Quarterly Employment Statistics, Matlapane Masupye.
Masupye highlighted that trade and community services industries saw the highest number of job losses, totalling 57 000 and 18 000 respectively, followed by the business services industry, which lost 4 000 jobs, and the mining industry, which experienced a loss of 3 000 jobs.
There was however good news in other industries, as the manufacturing industry saw an increase of 12 000 jobs, followed by the transport industry with 2 000 jobs, and the construction industry with 1 000 jobs.
Full-time employment decreased by 29 000 jobs, falling from 9.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 to 9.4. million in the first quarter of 2024.
Several industries recorded declines in full-time employment.
“The trade industry observed a reduction of 35 000 jobs, followed by the community services industry with a loss of 13 000 jobs, and the mining industry with a decrease of 3 000 jobs. Conversely, the manufacturing industry reported an increase of 18 000 jobs,” explained Masupye.
Business services and construction industries recorded moderate increases, with 3 000 jobs and 1 000 jobs, respectively.
“Part-time employment decreased by 38 000, reaching a total of 1.1 million in March 2024 compared to 1.2 million reported in December 2023.
This decrease was mainly driven by declines in trade with 22 000 jobs.
Business services, manufacturing, and community services industries reported losses of 7 000, 6 000 and 5 000 jobs, respectively,” highlighted the Director.
The survey also recorded a decline for salaries paid in the country.
“Total gross earnings paid to employees decreased by 3,5%, totalling R957,9 billion in March 2024 compared to R993 billion in December 2023.
“Basic salaries/wages decreased by 0,8% (R6,7 billion) in March 2024 to reach R848,9 billion, primarily driven by losses in trade, manufacturing, construction, mining, and business services. However, there was an increase in the transport, electricity, and community services industries,” said Masupye.
Year-on-year overtime payments paid to employees increased by R3 billion, marking a rise of 12% from March 2023 to March 2024.
The average monthly earnings (AME) paid to employees saw a 0,1% decline quarter-on-quarter, falling from R26 822 in November 2023 to R26 791 in February 2024.
