Differentials in duration of unemployment in South Africa: empirical evidence from two Labour Force Survey (2007 and 2010)

Nathaniel Lartey, University of the Western Cape and College of Cape Town
Gabriel G. Tati, University of the Western Cape

This paper examines the structural changes affecting the duration of unemployment in South Africa. The data are derived from two Labour Force Surveys (2007 and 2010). Different demographic statistical methods were used to look at the temporal changes into specific levels of unemployment duration. The results reported in this paper suggest significant difference in the duration of unemployment in relation to the individual socio-demographic characteristics. More specifically, this study revealed that the greatest share percentage of both men and women experiencing long-term unemployment are within the age group 25-34 years, suggesting that young people are the most affected at varying duration of unemployment. Another variable this study found to be a very important determinant of individual length of time in unemployment is previous job tenure. The greatest percentage shares of individuals experiencing long-term unemployment are found among first job seekers.