Overview

• Total formal employment fell to 10.51 million in June, down 80,000 quarter-on-quarter and 229,000 year-on-year (2.1%).
• Job losses were concentrated in community services, trade, manufacturing, construction, transport and business services, while mining and electricity recorded increases.
• Full-time positions declined by about 44,000 in the quarter, with part-time roles down 36,000.
• Gross earnings edged up to R986.8bn and basic wages rose, but bonuses dropped by R19.3bn (25.4%) from March.
• Economists said the figures reflect a subdued economy and urged growth-focused reforms, while unions and opposition figures called for interventions; the expanded unemployment rate was 42.9% as discouraged work-seekers fell by 28,000.