Eastern Cape jobs up but we're not out the woods

The unemployment rate in the Eastern Cape according to the survey declined by 3,3 per cent and now stands at 24,8 per cent, the third highest along with Mpumalanga after the Free State (25,9%) and Limpopo (20,6%).

Between the first and second quarter the labour force (population 15-64 years) grew by 12 000 to 3,949 million or 0,3 per cent. Figures for the various sectors are:

Agriculture – an increase of 9 000 (12%) to 84 000
Manufacturing – increase of 1 000 (0,6%) to 174 000
Construction – decrease of 12 000 (9,7%) to 112 000
Trade – increase of 16 000 (5,3%) to 391 000
Transport – increase of 16 000 (23,5%) to 84 000
Finance – increase of 19 000 (15,8%) to 139 000
Community and Social Services – increase of 15 000 (4,6%) to 341 000, and
Private Households – decrease of 15 000 (12,4%) to 106 000

The decrease in private household employment indicates that domestic workers and gardeners are being laid off as interest and fuel and food hikes bite.