Employment in formal non-agricultural sector decreased in Q4 of 2023 - Stats SA

JOHANNESBURG - Stats SA says total employment in the formal non-agricultural sector dropped by almost 200,000 in the fourth quarter of 2023.

This brings the level of employment in the sector to 10.7 million.

The industries leading losses include community services, construction, manufacturing and mining.

Stats SA released the latest Quarterly Employment Survey on Tuesday.

Stats SA's Matlapane Masupye said despite the jobs cuts, some industries recorded growth in employment.

"There were increases in the following industries: trade (56,000 or 2.4%), transport (2,000 or 0.4%) and electricity (1,000 or 1.6%)."

Masupye said that more part-time jobs were shed compared to full-time jobs.

"Part-time employment decreased by 189,000 or -13.5% quarter-on-quarter, from 1,401,000 in September 2023 to 1,212,000 in December 2023."