Underemployment in South Africa

Stellenbosch Working Paper Series No. WP06/2016
 
Publication date: 2016
 
Author(s):
[protected email address] (Department of Economics, University of the Western Cape)
[protected email address] (Department of Economics, University of the Western Cape)
[protected email address] (Department of Economics, University of the Western Cape)
[protected email address] (Department of Economics, University of the Western Cape)
 
Abstract:

With the introduction of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) since 2008, a newly derived variable, namely underemployed, has become available. This variable is derived according to the “time-related” approach (i.e. those who are employed, but would like to work longer hours and are available to work longer hours in the near future). However, underemployment could also be derived according to the “inadequate employment situations” approach (e.g. under-utilisation of skills, over-qualification). There are virtually no in-depth local studies that examine underemployment in South Africa. Hence, this paper investigates the extent of underemployment according to two definitions, before examining whether the characteristics of the underemployed are significantly different from those of the other employed.

 
JEL Classification:

J00

Keywords:

underemployment; underemployed; South Africa

Download: PDF (386 KB)

BER Weekly

6 Jun 2025 SA GDP barely expands in Q1, while BCI and PMI suggest that Q2 remained weak
It was a busy week for local data releases, much of which painted a bleak picture of SA’s economy. Not only was first-quarter GDP growth dismal, but 2024 growth was also revised lower to just 0.5%. , The RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI) showed sentiment remained shaky in the second quarter...

Read the full issue