The total budget for the Department of Labour in 2012/13 is R2 billion, a 5 per cent nominal increase compared to previous financial year. However, in real terms its budget declined by R15.8 million. In relation to other sectors, the labour sector is one of the least funded, even when compared to other departments such as the Department of Arts and Culture. This is in contrast to government's priorities as stated in the National Development Plan (the Plan).