A down-to-earth; practical approach to labour markets in general and the South African labour market in particular. Considers the evidence and identifies some urgent discussion points about the sensitivity of employment to economic growth. Aimed at economics students as well as general readers wanting an overview of the South African labour market. Contents include the following: • Labour supply and demand • Employment in the formal and informal sectors • Wages and the cost of labour • Unions; collective bargaining and minimum wages • Productivity and labour market flexibility • Unemployment and active labour market policy for job creation • Human capital and the demand for skilled workers • Inequalities and discrimination • Impact of globalisation • Nedlac