Trade union Uasa welcomed the news announced by Stats SA’s Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES) survey, stating that total employment increased.
Abigail Moyo spokesperson for Uasa said that Stats SA indicates that total employment increased by 42,000 or 0,4% quarter-on-quarter, from 10,674,000 in March 2024 to 10,716,000 in June 2024.
“Although the employment growth news is pleasing, it is disheartening to learn that the reported results are only due to an increase in the Community Services industry. A further decrease in several industries, including manufacturing, business services, mining, transport, trade, and construction, was reported.”
Moyo added that unemployment decreases in critical economic sectors should be a wake-up call for all citizens that we still have a way to go.
“While the reported employment increase is good news, total employment decreased by 144,000, or 1.3%, year-on-year between June 2023 and June 2024. This means the employment gained is still insufficient to cover the gap between jobs gained and the rate at which unemployment is declining.”
Moyo said that Uasa is deeply concerned about the enormous industries that are the backbone of the economy and cannot create sufficient employment. “In May, the 2024 Uasa South African Employment Report (SAER) highlighted several challenges that our economy faces in terms of job creation along with some solutions in terms of where we need to look at and advance as a country for us to keep up with job creation and a better economy.”
Moyo added that as a labour organisation, the reality is before the unions as they come across the daily challenges that industries and sectors face. “This reminds us that it’s not only the government and stakeholders who must do something but all of us. Any form of job creation is crucial to our country and the future.”
The Mercury