Employment in South Africa decreased by 48,000 jobs to 9.6 million in the formal non-agricultural sector during the first quarter ending March 2017, compared to the previous quarter, according to the latest Quarterly Employment Survey from Statistics South Africa.

The decreases in employment were led by the trade industry, while decreases were also seen in the business service, community service, manufacturing, and transport industries. Decreases in employment in these industries were reportedly due to end of contracts for workers who were employed during the festive season.

Meanwhile, there were increases in employment reported in the construction industry as well as the mining industry.

The survey data also showed that there was a quarterly decrease of ZAR 19.4 billion (USD 1.49 billion) or 3.2% in total earnings paid to employees. Total earnings paid to employees amounted to ZAR 588 billion (USD 45.3 billion) in March 2017, down from ZAR 607 billion (USD 43.1 billion) in December 2016

Employment in South Africa decreased by 48,000 jobs to 9.6 million in the formal non-agricultural sector during the first quarter ending March 2017, compared to the previous quarter, according to the latest Quarterly Employment Survey from Statistics South Africa.

The decreases in employment were led by the trade industry, while decreases were also seen in the business service, community service, manufacturing, and transport industries. Decreases in employment in these industries were reportedly due to end of contracts for workers who were employed during the festive season.

Meanwhile, there were increases in employment reported in the construction industry as well as the mining industry.

The survey data also showed that there was a quarterly decrease of ZAR 19.4 billion (USD 1.49 billion) or 3.2% in total earnings paid to employees. Total earnings paid to employees amounted to ZAR 588 billion (USD 45.3 billion) in March 2017, down from ZAR 607 billion (USD 43.1 billion) in December 2016.