Coping Strategies of the Unemployed

Coping Strategies of the Unemployed

The South African labour market is characterised by a low growth in the demand for labour in relation to a high population growth rate. Typically, as in a developing country, there is an oversupply of unskilled workers, and a shortage of skilled workers in South Africa.

Human Rights

  • Product Information
  • Format: 210mm x 280mm (Soft Cover)
  • Pages: 110
  • ISBN 13: 978-07969-1922-9
  • Rights: World Rights

The South African labour market is characterised by a low growth in the demand for labour in relation to a high population growth rate. Typically, as in a developing country, there is an oversupply of unskilled workers, and a shortage of skilled workers in South Africa. In line with global trends there is a movement away from labour-intensive to capital-intensive production processes, and from primary and secondary industries to tertiary or service sectors. This results in fewer employment opportunities, especially for unskilled workers. Furthermore - with no formal employment growth to replace job losses and accommodate new entrants to the labour market - unemployment is a growing problem, with South Africa ranking among the countries with the highest unemployment in the world. The aim of the empirical part of this study was to find out how the unemployed person was expected to participate in the labour market. The responses of almost 2 000 unemployed individuals in South Africa were obtained in a survey conducted in six provinces. The results of this survey are supported by the findings of several local and international research projects on job creation. Strategies to optimise the impact of job creation efforts are also suggested in the report.

Acknowledgements
Abstract
Important term
Abbreviations

1. Background to the study
2. The need for job creation
3. The unemployeds participation in the labour market
4. Discussion and Conclusion

Bibliography
Appendix A

Dr Johan Erasmus is a chief researcher in the Education, Science and Skills Development Programme. He holds PhD in Comparative Education from Potchefstroom University.

Before joining the HSRC, Dr Erasmus worked at the Rural Foundation where he was responsible for establishing a national training programme for community development officials.

Dr Erasmuss experience in social science research lies particularly in the areas of labour market situational analysis; research design and methodology; the planning and management of esearch projects; and the design of research instruments. He has undertaken projects for organisations such as Transnet, The national Business Initiative, The Professional Provident Society, The Education Training and Development Practices  SETA, the Department of Labour, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Education And Training Authority.

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