Unemployment rate increased in fourth quarter of 2023

VAAL TRIANGLE - Statistics SA has announced that 22,000 less people were employed in the fourth quarter of last year. The results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey indicate the official unemployment rate increased from 31.9% in the third quarter to 32.1%. Formal sector employment decreased, while informal sector employment increased. Industries that lost jobs include community and social services, construction, agriculture, trade, and manufacturing. Job losses were recorded in the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, North West and the Northern Cape. The largest employment increase was recorded in KwaZulu-Natal, followed by Mpumalanga and the Western Cape.