Following a number of recessions and economic downturns across the world, BRICS Leaders are set to talk about employment. In a concerted effort to bolster productivity initiatives and strengthen social protection across the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The BRICS Employment Working Group (EWG) and Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting (LEMM) are set to convene this week
Hosted by South Africa and organized by the Department of Employment and Labour, this marks the final gathering in a series of meetings for the BRICS labor and employment stream.
Following the recent BRICS Leaders’ Summit in August 2023, this meeting will include the Employment Working Group (EWG), the BRICS Network of Labour Research Institute, and the LEMM.
The EWG and Network of Labour Research Institute meetings will culminate in a two-day Ministerial Meeting on September 28-29, 2023. Delegates will adopt the eThekwini Declaration. The emphasis will be on labor rights, universal access to social protection, skills development, and sustainable businesses.
In addition to the BRICS Ministers, Minister Thulas Nxesi has extended invitations to counterparts from Cuba, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
BRICS employment statistics
Brazil: Brazil has historically struggled with relatively high unemployment rates. As of 2021, the unemployment rate in Brazil was around 14.7% (as of June 2021).
Russia: Russia has experienced fluctuations in its unemployment rate. As of 2021, the unemployment rate in Russia was around 5.5% (as of June 2021).
India: India has faced challenges related to employment and underemployment. As of 2021, the unemployment rate in India was around 6.95% (as of July 2021).
China: China has maintained a relatively low official unemployment rate, primarily due to its vast labor market and government policies. As of 2021, the unemployment rate in urban areas of China was around 5.2% (as of August 2021).
South Africa: South Africa has historically had high unemployment rates, driven by various socio-economic factors. As of 2021, the unemployment rate in South Africa was exceptionally high, at around 34.4% (as of the second quarter of 2021)
