Hiring outlook weakest in five years

SA's hiring outlook for Q1 of 2020 is the weakest it has been in five years, according to the ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey. Fin24 reports that small and micro enterprises were the hardest hit, with only large employers expecting a steady increase in payrolls in the coming quarter. Of 753 SA employers surveyed – across five regions and 10 sectors – the strongest labour market was anticipated in the Western Cape, where the employment outlook is +4%. Payroll prospects appeared subdued, the survey found. While 10% of employers forecast an increase in payrolls, 8% anticipated a decrease and another 1% weren't sure. Lyndy van den Barselaar, MD of ManpowerGroup SA, said an overall sluggish economy had taken its toll. ‘As we move into the new year, the South African economy continues to be affected by subdued economic growth and a sluggish growth outlook. Policy uncertainty and a high unemployment rate remain a deep concern for local businesses who are looking to the new year with caution when it comes to their spending and hiring strategies,’ she is quoted in the report as saying.