SA unemployment rate increased in first quarter of 2023 

The SA official unemployment rate has increased in the first quarter of 2023, Stats SA on Tuesday released the quarterly Labour force survey. 

The results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey indicate that the number of employed persons increased by 258 000 to 16,2 million in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the fourth quarter of 2022.

The number of unemployed persons declined by 179 000 to 7,9 million during the same quarter. Additionally, the number of people who were not economically active for reasons other than discouragement decreased by 209 000 to 13,2 million.

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 The discouraged work-seekers decreased by 87 000 in the first quarter of 2023. This is compared to the fourth quarter of 2022. Resulting in a net decrease of 296 000 in the not economically active population.

SA UNEMPLOYMENT RATE INCREASE 

However, the changes in employment and unemployment resulted in the official unemployment rate increasing by 0,2 of a percentage point. From 32,7% in the fourth quarter of 2022 to 32,9% in the first quarter of 2023. The unemployment rate according to the expanded definition decreased by 0,2 of a percentage point to 42,4%. This is in Q1:2023 compared to Q4:2022.