BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES SECTOR
T H E I M PACT OF BUSINESS SUPPORT S E RV I C E S BY CHARNDRÉ EMMA KIPPIE
A leading field filled with innovation and adaptability that is essential for the smooth functioning of businesses in all industries.
With the global pandemic reaching a third wave, South
This meant that many were battling to find
to once again pivot, adjusting practices and outlooks
major pressure on recruitment and staffing entities
African businesses and recruitment agencies are forced to meet pending changes, and a growing need for
constant technological innovation, required to keep the workforce going strong.
who experienced major shifts in acquiring new
skills and talent, retrenchment and organisational strategies geared towards weathering the storm.
OVERVIEW
Despite a reasonable plummet in overall hiring
(QLFS), South Africa witnessed an increase of 333
are steadily improving for professionals in sectors
According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey
000 in the number of employed persons near the end
of 2020. However, data collected also indicated a rise
in the number of unemployed individuals, documenting that 701 000 individuals were without employment by the fourth quarter of 2020.
These changes significantly impacted all major labour
market rates. South Africa’s unemployment rate, thus, soared from 30,8% to 32,5% by the end of the year.
This was the highest unemployment rate recorded since the start of the QLFS in 2008. The employment-to-
population ratio also increased from 37,5% to 38,2%,
and the labour force participation rate increased from
54,2% to 56,6% during this period, indicating that more people are participating in the labour market.
36
employment throughout the lockdown period, putting
TOP PERFORMING COMPANIES | 18TH EDITION
activity throughout 2020, employment prospects such as: the business management, ICT and logistics sectors.
MAKING ACCELERATED PROGRESS In April 2021, South Africa was ranked as The Top
Global Business Services Sector Location for 2021, in the Annual Front Office BPO Omnibus Survey.
This comes as a wonderful recognition as the sector continues to add new jobs to the economy.
This accomplishment, made by the South African
business service industry, comes as no surprise as the industry has positioned itself as a top location (internationally speaking) for business services.
