Labour Force Survey, September 2006

We've just released the complete September 2006 Labour Force Survey. All RSA Regional Indicators subscribers can now access the data through our EasyData website. The EasyData website enables users to create multi-dimensional cross-tabulation tables on the fly.

A quick assessment of the unemployment section of the survey indicated the persistent decline in the official unemployment rate across all population groups since 2002.

Comparing the official and expanded unemployment rates shows that total unemployment in South Africa measured by the expanded definition is considerably higher than expected. This could probably be largely explained by high levels of discouraged and inappropriately skilled work seekers. (See the unemployment definitions below.)

According to the official unemployment definition, a person must satisfy the following three conditions.

1. The person did not work during the seven days prior to the survey interview, and does not have any job attachment.
2. The person wants to work and is available to start work within 2 weeks.
3. The person has taken active steps to look for work or to start own business in the 4 weeks prior to the interview.

1. The person did not work during the seven days prior to the survey interview, and does not have any job attachment.
2. The person wants to work and is available to start work within 2 weeks.

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