Can the public service create jobs in South Africa? This presentation argues that it can, and should. Proposals must however focus on creating employment and improving service delivery. Thanks to the Public Service Commission and Public Sector Bargaining Council for a platform to share this presentation.

1. Employment in the South African Public Service

2. Overview Overall size of the public service Trends in overall employment Budget Projections Structural unemployment New growth path Increasing employment

3. Size of the public service

4. Overview

5. Size of the Public Service

6. Budget 2011

7. Salary as % of total expenditure

8. % change in non-interest spending and personnel expenditure

9. Structural unemployment

10. Public service has increased in size, but worrying problem of long-term unemployment in South Africa

11. Can the public service contribute to breaking long-term structural unemployment?

12. Public Service Context Budget for any public employment programmes remains tight Proposals on entry-level jobs “circulating” but have not been tabled BUT, government has a role to play in: Providing work opportunities Especially in lower level jobs

13. 2007 Projections GDP growth pa 3.0% 4.5% 6.0% Increasing entry level and lower skilled jobs 405,186 443,707 503,419 Maintaining the current path 303,890 332,780 377,564 Increasing jobs in management and high skilled supervision levels 243,112 266,224 302,052

14. The need for an agreement on public employment in South Africa New growth path Calls for sectoral agreements (possibly, an agreement at each central bargaining unit) Very High youth unemployment 70% of those unemployment under the age of 30 have never ever worked before Broad agreement in society that unemployment must be tackled Labour intensive public services could improve performance

15. Key Proposals Expansion of internships in the public service Provide young adults with first job experience Entry-level position at a lower wage than currently offered. Full time job

16. A little more detail... Transitional jobs programme for young and unemployed Creating a new entry-level position in the public service Close gap between EPWP jobs and public service Create conditions for more employment in the public service Funding for ECD and HCBC two options: Personnel expenditure Reorientation of health, education and social development budgets

17. Presented by Ebrahim-Khalil Hassen Chief Editorial Officer, Zapreneur.com http://www.zapreneur.com Presented at 2nd Biennial Labour Relations Conference for the Public Service Organised by the Public Service Commission and the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council