Johannesburg — EMPLOYMENT expectations in the wholesale and retail sector are growing, as bosses look towards the Soccer World Cup and a global economic recovery.

The employment expectations index of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (Sacci's) latest trade conditions survey rose to 57 last month from 55 in January. It was the fourth straight month the figure had been in positive territory. A figure above 50 indicates growth, below 50 contraction.

The index, which measures expectations of employment activity in August, suggests employers in the retail and wholesale trades, which account for about 20% of all employment, see a need to keep employing people after the World Cup.

"In the aftermath of the World Cup there might still be some activity (locally) or the world economy may be doing better in the second half (which may boost SA)," said Richard Downing, Sacci's economist.

The sense of optimism is bolstered by the employment reading for current conditions.

It registered a negative figure of 48 last month, which is still a sign of job-shedding, but at a slower pace than at any time in the previous six months. It was also higher than December's 47, a figure likely to have been boosted by seasonal short-term employment.

"Forty-eight is a very good figure," Downing said.

"What is good is the 48 suggests - although we don't ask reasons - this might have something to do with the World Cup."

Retail and wholesale trade workers have been among the biggest victims of the recession.

The industries shed a combined 291000 jobs last year, budget figures show.

Other figures give reason for optimism. The overall index tracking current conditions turned positive for the first time since November, jumping to 54 - an overall expansion - from 44 - a contraction - in January. The subindex of sales volumes surged to 61 from 46.

The forward-looking index for sales volumes ticked up to 77 from 76, but was still below December's reading of 80.

The current measure of new orders also picked up, to 55 from 44 in January.

The index of expected new orders in six months' time fell back to 70 from 72 in January.