The number of people employed in the formal sector of the South African economy rose by about 38 000, or 0.4%, in the fourth quarter of 2013, shows the December Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES) survey released by Statistics SA on Tuesday.
This took the number of people employed in the formal sector to about 8.495-million from about 8.457-million in the third quarter of 2013.
The gross earnings paid to employees during the quarter ended December 2013 amounted to R422.7bn, reflecting a quarterly increase of R24.6bn, or 6.2%, compared with the quarter ended September 2013.
Average monthly earnings, including bonuses and overtime payments, paid to employees in the formal non-agricultural sector increased between August 2013 and November 2013.
The December 2013 QES survey reflects a quarterly increase of 0.8% in average monthly earnings paid to employees in the formal non-agricultural sector between August 2013 (about R14 795) and November 2013 (about R14 911).
The mining and quarrying industry reported an annual decrease of 16 000 employees (-3.1%) in December 2013 compared with December 2012. There was a quarterly decrease of 8 000 employees (-1.6%) in December 2013 compared with September 2013.
The manufacturing industry reported an annual decrease of 2000 employees (-0.2%) in December 2013 compared with December 2012. There was a quarterly increase of 2000 employees (0.2%) in December 2013 compared with September 2013. This was mainly due to increases in employment in the production, processing and preservation of meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, oils and fats; and manufacture of furniture.
The construction industry reported an annual decrease of 8000 employees (-1.9%) in December 2013 compared with December 2012. There was a quarterly decrease of 7000 employees (-1.6%) in December 2013 compared with September 2013. This was mainly due to decreases in employment in the building of complete constructions; and building completion.
The wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles, motor cycles and personal and household goods; hotels and restaurants industry reported an annual increase of 22 000 employees (1.3%) in December 2013 compared with December 2012. There was a quarterly increase of 35 000 employees (2.1%) in December 2013 compared with September 2013. This was mainly due to increases in employment in retail trade; sale, maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and motor cycles; and hotels and restaurants.
The financial intermediation, insurance, real estate and business services industry reported an annual increase of 5000 employees (0.3%) in December 2013 compared with December 2012. There was a quarterly increase of 1000 employees (0.1%) in December 2013 compared with September 2013. This was mainly due to increases in employment in the real estate activities; and legal, accounting, bookkeeping and auditing activities.
The community, social and personal services industry – which includes government jobs – reported an annual increase of 45 000 employees (1.9%) in December 2013 compared with December 2012. There was a quarterly increase of 14 000 employees (0.6%) in December 2013 compared with September 2013. This was mainly due to increases in employment in local government; other government institutions, health and social work; recreational, cultural and sporting activities; provincial and national departments.