LABOUR STUDY
Report reveals depth of SA workers' struggle to make ends meet
Workers in SA are struggling to survive on today’s wages, which have dwindled in value over the years, according to the findings of a study of worker income and spending patterns. The study showed a lack of growth in monthly earnings among workers, with the lowest end suffering the most. Labour analyst Andrew Levy said this was reflected in wage demands by workers as the standard of living had become more "squeezed". "There is little or no income left when workers are paid out," he said at the launch of the report on Tuesday.
Workers at all levels were spending 29% of their wages on housing or rent, 21% on transport, 13% on savings and insurance and 13% on loans, the report said. Other factors influencing the variables in the labour market in SA included the continued widening of the wage gap along race and gender lines. The report released by the South African Labour Market Monitor said that workers were left with little or no money after spending on critical expenses, such a...
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