Labour Force Survey 2019, 3rd quarter.

As of the 1st quarter of 1972, SSB has conducted official quarterly labour force surveys (AKU). These surveys aim to give the labour force authorities (and other people interested) knowledge of the occupational structure of the population and how it develops over time. The surveys are meant to give a foundation and statistical material for occupational prognoses and labour research. The samples in AKU are from 1992 representative at county level. In the period 1972-1991 they were representative on county pair level.

As from January 2006 some major changes were introduced to AKU in order to enhance its comparability to similar surveys in other countries. The changes consist of minor definitional adjustments of unemployment, some adjustments and enlargement of the questionnaire and a change in age definition (age at reference point instead of at the end of the year). Simultaneously the lower age limit to be included in AKU was lowered from 16 to 15 years. This led to some breaks in the time series in the aforementioned areas.

As of the 1st quarter of 2009 the new classification of economic activities: SN2007/ISIC rev 5 replaces SN2002/ISIC Rev 4.

As of the 1st quarter of 2011 the new classification of occupants STYRK-08/ISCO-08 replaces STYRK/ISCO-88.

From 2011 the new standard classification of occupations STYRK-08 replaces the previously used STYRK. From 1st quarter of 2011 professions are coded for both old and new occupational standards. On the basis of this double coding transition keys between old and new standards is calculated. The occupational figures for 2011, will because of this, not be comparable with previous years.

Originally, AKU respondents were interviewed in two consecutive quarters of a year, followed by a pause of two quarters, and then another two quarters of interviews. The sample was approximately 10-11.000 respondents in each quarter up until 1988. Originally, AKU was intended to be an analytical supplement to the monthly occupational statistics that was based on the social security membership index file. However, the social security-based statistics disappeared when the sickness benefit was included in the National Insurance as of 1st of January 1971, and AKU has after gradually developed into the most significant source of knowledge of the state of the labour market and its development.

In 1975, Statistics Norway changed the sampling frame of survey research, see article 37: "Om bruk av stikkprøver ved kontoret for intervjuundersøkelser", SSB (About the Use of Random Samples at the Office for Survey Research, Statistics Norway) by Steinar Tamsfoss, and SØS 33: "Prinsipper og metoder for Statistisk sentralbyrås utvalgsundersøkelse (Principles and Methods for Statistics Norway's sample research) by Ib Thomsen. Simultaneously, the method for estimation of inflation to national numbers was changed, so that reasonable numbers for regions do exist from 1975 and onwards. The change in 1975 led to a different way of interviewing in groups. This caused amongst other things a break with the AKU panel systematics.

In the AKU survey of 1976, a slightly changed questionnaire was introduced. Also, there was a return to the original 6-quarter rotation scheme. The new questionnaire implied a better identification of family workers and persons that are temporarily without paid work. Thus, 30-35 000 more people were defined as employed. The group of "job-seekers without income" were also extended to include persons that were on an involuntary leave of absence. The questions concerning underemployment and "over employment" in the original questionnaire were abandoned.

From the 1st quarter of 1987, the estimation method (inflation to national numbers) was slightly changed. There was also a minor adjustment in the definition of employment. In order to ensure that the numbers were to be comparable to earlier surveys, new versions of the 1980-1986 AKU-files were drawn up. Consequently two versions of the 1980-1987 files - respectively with the old and new methods of estimation - exist. The "old" means that the data are comparable to the original numbers published in the period of 1972 - 1987, whilst the "new" implies that the data are comparable to numbers published after 1987.

Between the 1st and 2nd quarter of 1988, the AKU file description was changed. The variable "Labour-market status" was given a different coding. In addition, adjustments in the data collections were made - from interviewing a specific week every quarter to carry out continuous weekly interviews. In addition, an escalation scheme to increase the sample size was started. This affected the weights, and from the 2nd quarter of 1988, these were recalculated monthly. To balance out the quarterly or yearly files to total national numbers, the monthly weights therefore had to...

Labour Force Survey 4th Quarter, 2019

As of the 1st quarter of 1972, SSB has conducted official quarterly labour force surveys (AKU). These surveys aim to give the labour force authorities (and other people interested) knowledge of the occupational structure of the population and how it develops over time. The surveys are meant to give a foundation and statistical material for occupational prognoses and labour research. The samples in AKU are from 1992 representative at county level. In the period 1972-1991 they were representative on county pair level.

As from January 2006 some major changes were introduced to AKU in order to enhance its comparability to similar surveys in other countries. The changes consist of minor definitional adjustments of unemployment, some adjustments and enlargement of the questionnaire and a change in age definition (age at reference point instead of at the end of the year). Simultaneously the lower age limit to be included in AKU was lowered from 16 to 15 years. This led to some breaks in the time series in the aforementioned areas.

Originally, AKU respondents were interviewed in two consecutive quarters of a year, followed by a pause of two quarters, and then another two quarters of interviews. The sample was approximately 10-11.000 respondents in each quarter up until 1988. Originally, AKU was intended to be an analytical supplement to the monthly occupational statistics that was based on the social security membership index file. However, the social security-based statistics disappeared when the sickness benefit was included in the National Insurance as of 1st of January 1971, and AKU has after gradually developed into the most significant source of knowledge of the state of the labour market and its development.

In 1975, Statistics Norway changed the sampling frame of survey research, see article 37: “Om bruk av stikkprøver ved kontoret for intervjuundersøkelser”, SSB (About the Use of Random Samples at the Office for Survey Research, Statistics Norway) by Steinar Tamsfoss, and SØS 33: “Prinsipper og metoder for Statistisk sentralbyrås utvalgsundersøkelse (Principles and Methods for Statistics Norway's sample research) by Ib Thomsen. Simultaneously, the method for estimation of inflation to national numbers was changed, so that reasonable numbers for regions do exist from 1975 and onwards. The change in 1975 led to a different way of interviewing in groups. This caused amongst other things a break with the AKU panel systematics.

In the AKU survey of 1976, a slightly changed questionnaire was introduced. Also, there was a return to the original 6-quarter rotation scheme. The new questionnaire implied a better identification of family workers and persons that are temporarily without paid work. Thus, 30-35 000 more people were defined as employed. The group of "job-seekers without income" were also extended to include persons that were on an involuntary leave of absence. The questions concerning underemployment and “over employment” in the original questionnaire were abandoned.

From the 1st quarter of 1987, the estimation method (inflation to national numbers) was slightly changed. There was also a minor adjustment in the definition of employment. In order to ensure that the numbers were to be comparable to earlier surveys, new versions of the 1980-1986 AKU-files were drawn up. Consequently two versions of the 1980-1987 files - respectively with the old and new methods of estimation - exist. The “old” means that the data are comparable to the original numbers published in the period of 1972 - 1987, whilst the “new” implies that the data are comparable to numbers published after 1987.

Between the 1st and 2nd quarter of 1988, the AKU file description was changed. The variable “Labour-market status” was given a different coding. In addition, adjustments in the data collections were made - from interviewing a specific week every quarter to carry out continuous weekly interviews. In addition, an escalation scheme to increase the sample size was started. This affected the weights, and from the 2nd quarter of 1988, these were recalculated monthly. To balance out the quarterly or yearly files to total national numbers, the monthly weights therefore had to be divided in three or twelve to give the correct total number.

In 1996, AKU was significantly revised: The questionnaire, the file description and the standard for coding of industry and occupation. The data collection also changed to CATI - Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing. A new classification of industry was put into use (NOS C 182, based on the EU standard NACE, Rev.1). This standard was updated in 2002 and 2007. Also, the new Norwegian standard classification of occupations (STYRK) based on ISCO 88 was used from 1996 and onwards. The variable indicating socio-economic status was omitted, as a...

Abstract

The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) is a household-based sample survey conducted by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). It collects data on the labour market activities of individuals aged 15 years or older who live in South Africa.

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

Individuals

Universe

The QLFS sample covers the non-institutional population of South Africa with one exception. The only institutional subpopulation included in the QLFS sample are individuals in worker's hostels. Persons living in private dwelling units within institutions are also enumerated. For example, within a school compound, one would enumerate the schoolmaster's house and teachers' accommodation because these are private dwellings. Students living in a dormitory on the school compound would, however, be excluded.

For more see the statistical release.

Kind of data

Sample survey data

Sampling procedure

The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) uses the Master Sample frame that has been developed as a general-purpose household survey frame. The 2013 Master Sample is based on information collected during the 2011 Census. There are 3 324 primary sampling units in the Master Sample, with an expected sample of approximately 33 000 dwelling units. The sampling procedure for the QLFS is based on a stratified two-stage design with probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling of PSUs in the first stage, and sampling of dwelling units (DUs) with systematic sampling in the second stage.

The Master Sample is designed to be representative at the provincial level and within provinces at metro/non-metro levels. The sample is divided equally into four subgroups or panels called rotation groups. For each quarter of the QLFS, a quarter of the sampled dwellings are rotated out of the sample and replaced by new dwellings from the same PSU or the next PSU on the list.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Cleaning operations

In general, imputation is used for item non-response (i.e. blanks within the questionnaire) and edit failures (i.e. invalid or inconsistent responses).

Background
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is a unique source of information using international definitions of employment and unemployment and economic inactivity, together with a wide range of related topics such as occupation, training, hours of work and personal characteristics of household members aged 16 years and over. It is used to inform social, economic and employment policy. The LFS was first conducted biennially from 1973-1983. Between 1984 and 1991 the survey was carried out annually and consisted of a quarterly survey conducted throughout the year and a 'boost' survey in the spring quarter (data were then collected seasonally). From 1992 quarterly data were made available, with a quarterly sample size approximately equivalent to that of the previous annual data. The survey then became known as the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS). From December 1994, data gathering for Northern Ireland moved to a full quarterly cycle to match the rest of the country, so the QLFS then covered the whole of the UK (though some additional annual Northern Ireland LFS datasets are also held at the UK Data Archive). Further information on the background to the QLFS may be found in the documentation.

Longitudinal data
The LFS retains each sample household for five consecutive quarters, with a fifth of the sample replaced each quarter. The main survey was designed to produce cross-sectional data, but the data on each individual have now been linked together to provide longitudinal information. The longitudinal data comprise two types of linked datasets, created using the weighting method to adjust for non-response bias. The two-quarter datasets link data from two consecutive waves, while the five-quarter datasets link across a whole year (for example January 2010 to March 2011 inclusive) and contain data from all five waves. A full series of longitudinal data has been produced, going back to winter 1992. Linking together records to create a longitudinal dimension can, for example, provide information on gross flows over time between different labour force categories (employed, unemployed and economically inactive). This will provide detail about people who have moved between the categories. Also, longitudinal information is useful in monitoring the effects of government policies and can be used to follow the subsequent activities and circumstances of people affected by specific policy initiatives, and to compare them with other groups in the population. There are however methodological problems which could distort the data resulting from this longitudinal linking. The ONS continues to research these issues and advises that the presentation of results should be carefully considered, and warnings should be included with outputs where necessary.

New reweighting policy
Following the new reweighting policy ONS has reviewed the latest population estimates made available during 2019 and have decided not to carry out a 2019 LFS and APS reweighting exercise. Therefore, the next reweighting exercise will take place in 2020. These will incorporate the 2019 Sub-National Population Projection data (published in May 2020) and 2019 Mid-Year Estimates (published in June 2020). It is expected that reweighted Labour Market aggregates and microdata will be published towards the end of 2020/early 2021.

LFS Documentation
The documentation available from the Archive to accompany LFS datasets largely consists of the latest version of each user guide volume alongside the appropriate questionnaire for the year concerned. However, volumes are updated periodically by ONS, so users are advised to check the latest documents on the ONS Labour Force Survey - User Guidance pages before commencing analysis. This is especially important for users of older QLFS studies, where information and guidance in the user guide documents may have changed over time.

Additional data derived from the QLFS
The Archive also holds further QLFS series: End User Licence (EUL) quarterly data; Secure Access datasets; household datasets; quarterly, annual and ad hoc module datasets compiled for Eurostat; and some additional annual Northern Ireland datasets.

Variables DISEA and LNGLST
Dataset A08 (Labour market status of disabled people) which ONS suspended due to an apparent discontinuity between April to June 2017 and July to September 2017 is now available. As a result of this apparent discontinuity and the inconclusive investigations at this stage, comparisons should be made with caution between April to June 2017 and subsequent time periods. However users should note that the estimates are not seasonally adjusted, so some of the change between quarters could be due to seasonality. Further recommendations on historical comparisons of the estimates will be given in November 2018 when ONS are due to publish estimates for July to September 2018.

An article explaining the quality assurance investigations that have been conducted so far is available on the ONS Methodology webpage. For any queries about Dataset A08 please email Labour.Market@ons.gov.uk.

Occupation data for 2021 and 2022 data files

The ONS has identified an issue with the collection of some occupational data in 2021 and 2022 data files in a number of their surveys. While they estimate any impacts will be small overall, this will affect the accuracy of the breakdowns of some detailed (four-digit Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)) occupations, and data derived from them. Further information can be found in the ONS article published on 11 July 2023: https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/articles/revisionofmiscodedoccupationaldataintheonslabourforcesurveyuk/january2021toseptember2022" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Revision of miscoded occupational data in the ONS Labour Force Survey, UK: January 2021 to September 2022.

2022 Weighting

The population totals used for the latest LFS estimates use projected growth rates from Real Time Information (RTI) data for UK, EU and non-EU populations based on 2021 patterns. The total population used for the LFS therefore does not take into account any changes in migration, birth rates, death rates, and so on since June 2021, and hence levels estimates may be under- or over-estimating the true values and should be used with caution. Estimates of rates will, however, be robust.

Latest edition information

For the third edition (February 2025), the data file was resupplied with the 2024 weighting variable included (LGWT24).

Abstract

The objectives of Labour Force Survey (LFS) are to collect information on the structure and distribution of labour force, employment and unemployment; and to provide the latest statistics in relation to labour market situation from the perspective of labour supply.

The principal statistics are presented according to selected demographic and socioeconomic characteristics such as sex, age group, educational attainment, status in employment and occupation. Labour force statistics are published in Monthly Release, Quarterly LFS Report and Annual LFS Report.

Geographic coverage

This survey provides estimates at national and state level as well as urban and rural areas.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Frequency of data collection

Monthly

Sampling procedure

The survey is carried out using probability sampling through household approach comprising Malaysian citizens and non-citizens. The survey is carried out using probability sampling through household approach comprising Malaysian citizens and non-citizens.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

Background
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is a unique source of information using international definitions of employment and unemployment and economic inactivity, together with a wide range of related topics such as occupation, training, hours of work and personal characteristics of household members aged 16 years and over. It is used to inform social, economic and employment policy. The Annual Population Survey, also held at the UK Data Archive, is derived from the LFS.

The LFS was first conducted biennially from 1973-1983, then annually between 1984 and 1991, comprising a quarterly survey conducted throughout the year and a 'boost' survey in the spring quarter. From 1992 it moved to a quarterly cycle with a sample size approximately equivalent to that of the previous annual data. Northern Ireland was also included in the survey from December 1994. Further information on the background to the QLFS may be found in the documentation.

The UK Data Service also holds a Secure Access version of the QLFS (see below); household datasets; two-quarter and five-quarter longitudinal datasets; LFS datasets compiled for Eurostat; and some additional annual Northern Ireland datasets.

LFS Documentation
The documentation available from the Archive to accompany LFS datasets largely consists of the latest version of each user guide volume alongside the appropriate questionnaire for the year concerned (the latest questionnaire available covers July-September 2022). Volumes are updated periodically, so users are advised to check the latest documents on the ONS Labour Force Survey - User Guidance pages before commencing analysis. This is especially important for users of older QLFS studies, where information and guidance in the user guide documents may have changed over time.

LFS response to COVID-19

From April 2020 to May 2022, additional non-calendar quarter LFS microdata were made available to cover the pandemic period. The first additional microdata to be released covered February to April 2020 and the final non-calendar dataset covered March-May 2022. Publication then returned to calendar quarters only. Within the additional non-calendar COVID-19 quarters, pseudonymised variables Casenop and Hserialp may contain a significant number of missing cases (set as -9). These variables may not be available in full for the additional COVID-19 datasets until the next standard calendar quarter is produced. The income weight variable, PIWT, is not available in the non-calendar quarters, although the person weight (PWT) is included. Please consult the documentation for full details.

Occupation data for 2021 and 2022 data files

The ONS has identified an issue with the collection of some occupational data in 2021 and 2022 data files in a number of their surveys. While they estimate any impacts will be small overall, this will affect the accuracy of the breakdowns of some detailed (four-digit Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)) occupations, and data derived from them. Further information can be found in the ONS article published on 11 July 2023: Revision of miscoded occupational data in the ONS Labour Force Survey, UK: January 2021 to September 2022.

2024 Reweighting

In February 2024, reweighted person-level data from July-September 2022 onwards were released. Up to July-September 2023, only the person weight was updated (PWT23); the income weight remains at 2022 (PIWT22). The 2023 income weight (PIWT23) was included from the October-December 2023 quarter. Users are encouraged to read the ONS methodological note of 5 February, Impact of reweighting on Labour Force Survey key indicators: 2024, which includes important information on the 2024 reweighting exercise.

End User Licence and Secure Access QLFS data

Two versions of the QLFS are available from UKDS. One is available under the standard End User Licence (EUL) agreement, and the other is a Secure Access version. The EUL version includes country and Government Office Region geography, 3-digit Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) and 3-digit industry group for main, second and last job (from July-September 2015, 4-digit industry class is available for main job only).

The Secure Access version contains more detailed variables relating to:

• age: single year of age, year and month of birth, age completed full-time education and age obtained highest qualification, age of oldest dependent child and age of youngest dependent child
• family unit and household: including a number of variables concerning the number of dependent children in the family according to their ages, relationship to head of household and relationship to head of family
• nationality and country of origin
• finer detail...

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

households/individuals

Kind of data

survey

Frequency of data collection

Monthly

Sampling procedure

Sample size:

Abstract

The Labour Force Survey represents research conducted to gather data on the basic characteristics of the working-age population, based on which the total labour force in the country is reviewed, together with data on demographics, education, socio-economic standing and other characteristics of the population. The main goal of the research is to gather data on the three main, mutually exclusive segments of population: the employed, the unemployed and the inactive. The data are also to be used to monitor, measure, and estimate the economic and social changes in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Data source for Bosnia and Herzegovina and District of Brcko is Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Data sources for entity level are Republika Srpska Institute of Statistics and Federal Institute of Statistics.

Geographic coverage

National

Analysis unit

Persons of 15 years of age or older

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

The sample was designed as a stratified two-stage random sample.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The sections included in the questionnaire are: A. Labour activity during the reference week B. Employment characteristics of the main job C. Second - additional job D. Previous work experience E. Search for employment F. Methods used during the last four weeks to find job G. Education H. Situation one year before survey I. Income J. Ad Hoc module of labour force survey 2011 enployment of people disabilities

Labour Force Survey 2019, 1st quarter.

As of the 1st quarter of 1972, SSB has conducted official quarterly labour force surveys (AKU). These surveys aim to give the labour force authorities (and other people interested) knowledge of the occupational structure of the population and how it develops over time. The surveys are meant to give a foundation and statistical material for occupational prognoses and labour research. The samples in AKU are from 1992 representative at county level. In the period 1972-1991 they were representative on county pair level.

As from January 2006 some major changes were introduced to AKU in order to enhance its comparability to similar surveys in other countries. The changes consist of minor definitional adjustments of unemployment, some adjustments and enlargement of the questionnaire and a change in age definition (age at reference point instead of at the end of the year). Simultaneously the lower age limit to be included in AKU was lowered from 16 to 15 years. This led to some breaks in the time series in the aforementioned areas.

As of the 1st quarter of 2009 the new classification of economic activities: SN2007/ISIC rev 5 replaces SN2002/ISIC Rev 4.

As of the 1st quarter of 2011 the new classification of occupants STYRK-08/ISCO-08 replaces STYRK/ISCO-88.

From 2011 the new standard classification of occupations STYRK-08 replaces the previously used STYRK. From 1st quarter of 2011 professions are coded for both old and new occupational standards. On the basis of this double coding transition keys between old and new standards is calculated. The occupational figures for 2011, will because of this, not be comparable with previous years.

Originally, AKU respondents were interviewed in two consecutive quarters of a year, followed by a pause of two quarters, and then another two quarters of interviews. The sample was approximately 10-11.000 respondents in each quarter up until 1988. Originally, AKU was intended to be an analytical supplement to the monthly occupational statistics that was based on the social security membership index file. However, the social security-based statistics disappeared when the sickness benefit was included in the National Insurance as of 1st of January 1971, and AKU has after gradually developed into the most significant source of knowledge of the state of the labour market and its development.

In 1975, Statistics Norway changed the sampling frame of survey research, see article 37: "Om bruk av stikkprøver ved kontoret for intervjuundersøkelser", SSB (About the Use of Random Samples at the Office for Survey Research, Statistics Norway) by Steinar Tamsfoss, and SØS 33: "Prinsipper og metoder for Statistisk sentralbyrås utvalgsundersøkelse (Principles and Methods for Statistics Norway's sample research) by Ib Thomsen. Simultaneously, the method for estimation of inflation to national numbers was changed, so that reasonable numbers for regions do exist from 1975 and onwards. The change in 1975 led to a different way of interviewing in groups. This caused amongst other things a break with the AKU panel systematics.

In the AKU survey of 1976, a slightly changed questionnaire was introduced. Also, there was a return to the original 6-quarter rotation scheme. The new questionnaire implied a better identification of family workers and persons that are temporarily without paid work. Thus, 30-35 000 more people were defined as employed. The group of "job-seekers without income" were also extended to include persons that were on an involuntary leave of absence. The questions concerning underemployment and "over employment" in the original questionnaire were abandoned.

From the 1st quarter of 1987, the estimation method (inflation to national numbers) was slightly changed. There was also a minor adjustment in the definition of employment. In order to ensure that the numbers were to be comparable to earlier surveys, new versions of the 1980-1986 AKU-files were drawn up. Consequently two versions of the 1980-1987 files - respectively with the old and new methods of estimation - exist. The "old" means that the data are comparable to the original numbers published in the period of 1972 - 1987, whilst the "new" implies that the data are comparable to numbers published after 1987.

Between the 1st and 2nd quarter of 1988, the AKU file description was changed. The variable "Labour-market status" was given a different coding. In addition, adjustments in the data collections were made - from interviewing a specific week every quarter to carry out continuous weekly interviews. In addition, an escalation scheme to increase the sample size was started. This affected the weights, and from the 2nd quarter of 1988, these were recalculated monthly. To balance out the quarterly or yearly files to total national numbers, the monthly weights therefore had to...

Abstract

THE CLEANED AND HARMONIZED VERSION OF THE SURVEY DATA PRODUCED AND PUBLISHED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH FORUM REPRESENTS 100% OF THE ORIGINAL SURVEY DATA COLLECTED BY THE CENTRAL AGENCY FOR PUBLIC MOBILIZATION AND STATISTICS (CAPMAS)

In any society, the human element represents the basis of the work force which exercises all the service and production activities. Therefore, it is a mandate to produce labor force statistics and studies, that is related to the growth and distribution of manpower and labor force distribution by different types and characteristics.

In this context, the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics conducts "Quarterly Labor Force Survey" which includes data on the size of manpower and labor force (employed and unemployed) and their geographical distribution by their characteristics.

By the end of each year, CAPMAS issues the annual aggregated labor force bulletin publication that includes the results of the quarterly survey rounds that represent the manpower and labor force characteristics during the year.

---> Historical Review of the Labor Force Survey:

1- The First Labor Force survey was undertaken in 1957. The first round was conducted in November of that year, the survey continued to be conducted in successive rounds (quarterly, bi-annually, or annually) till now.

2- Starting the October 2006 round, the fieldwork of the labor force survey was developed to focus on the following two points: a. The importance of using the panel sample that is part of the survey sample, to monitor the dynamic changes of the labor market. b. Improving the used questionnaire to include more questions, that help in better defining of relationship to labor force of each household member (employed, unemployed, out of labor force ...etc.). In addition to re-order of some of the already existing questions in much logical way.

3- Starting the January 2008 round, the used methodology was developed to collect more representative sample during the survey year. this is done through distributing the sample of each governorate into five groups, the questionnaires are collected from each of them separately every 15 days for 3 months (in the middle and the end of the month)

4- Starting the January 2012 round, in order to follow the international recommendation, to avoid asking extra questions that affect the precision and accuracy of the collected data, a shortened version of the questionnaire was designed to include the core questions that enable obtaining the basic Egyptian labor market indicators. The shortened version is collected in two rounds (January-March), (April-June), and (October-December) while the long version of the questionnaire is collected in the 3rd round (July-September) that includes more information on housing conditions and immigration.

---> The survey aims at covering the following topics:

1- Measuring the size of the Egyptian labor force among civilians (for all governorates of the republic) by their different characteristics. 2- Measuring the employment rate at national level and different geographical areas. 3- Measuring the distribution of employed people by the following characteristics: Gender, age, educational status, occupation, economic activity, and sector. 4- Measuring unemployment rate at different geographic areas. 5- Measuring the distribution of unemployed people by the following characteristics: Gender, age, educational status, unemployment type “ever employed/never employed”, occupation, economic activity, and sector for people who have ever worked.

The raw survey data provided by the Statistical Agency were cleaned and harmonized by the Economic Research Forum, in the context of a major project that started in 2009. During which extensive efforts have been exerted to acquire, clean, harmonize, preserve and disseminate micro data of existing labor force surveys in several Arab countries.

Geographic coverage

Covering a sample of urban and rural areas in all the governorates.

Analysis unit

1- Household/family. 2- Individual/person.

Universe

The survey covered a national sample of households and all individuals permanently residing in surveyed households.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

THE CLEANED AND HARMONIZED VERSION OF THE SURVEY DATA PRODUCED AND PUBLISHED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH FORUM REPRESENTS 100% OF THE ORIGINAL SURVEY DATA COLLECTED BY THE CENTRAL AGENCY FOR PUBLIC MOBILIZATION AND STATISTICS (CAPMAS)

---> Sample Design and Selection

At the beginning of the first quarter in 2018 (January-March),the sample design was developed. sample size was withdrawn 50% of the (panel households) visited in the same quarter last year and 50% of the sample size (new households) visited for the first time, as well as to divide the sample of each governorate into six parts instead of five , in addition to Develop research questions according to the goals of Nineteenth Congress of Labor Statistics held at Geneva in 2013, therefore new questions to measure informal employment and the informal sector. An application for the new questionnaire has been designed and implemented on the tablet, Entry application has been designed for the new questionnaire so that the question will be completed on the field and then The data is entered through the researchers at the offices, correcting the errors first-hand and returning to the family again and sending data daily.

The sample of Labor Force Survey is a two-stage stratified cluster sample and selfweighted to the extent practical.

The main elements of the sampling design are described as follows:

• Sample Size The sample size in each quarter is 22,500 households with a total number of 80825 households . These households are distributed on the governorate level (urban/rural), according to the estimated number of households in each governorate in accordance with the percentage of urban and rural population in each governorate.

• Cluster size The cluster size is 18 households.

• Sampling stages:

  (1) Primary Sampling Unit (PSU): The 2006 Population Census provided sufficient data at the level of the Enumeration Area (EA). Hence, the electronic list of EA's represented the frame of the first stage sample; in which the corresponding number of households per EA was taken as a measure of size. The size of an EA is almost 200 households on average, with some variability expected. The size of first stage national sample was estimated to be 5,024 EA.

  (2) Sample Distribution by Governorate: The primary stratifying variable is the governorate of residence, which in turn is divided into urban and rural sub-strata, whenever applicable.

  (3) First Stage Sample frame: The census lists of EAs for each substratum, associated with the corresponding number of households, constitute the frame of the first stage sample. The identification information appears on the EA's list includes the District code, Shiakha/Village code, Census Supervisor number, and Enumerator number. Prior to the selection of the first stage sample, the frame was arranged to provide implicit stratification with regard to the geographic location. The urban frame of each governorate was ordered in a serpentine fashion according to the geographic location of kism/ district capitals. The same sort of ordering was made on the rural frame, but according to the district location. The systematic selection of EA's sample from such a sorted frame will ensure a balanced spread of the sample over the area of respective governorates. The sample was selected with Probability Proportional to Size (PPS), with the number of census households taken as a Measure of Size (MOS).

  (4) Core Sample allocation The core sample EAs (5,024) were divided among the survey 4 rounds, each round included 1,271 EAs (546 in urban areas and 725 in rural areas).

A more detailed description of the different sampling stages and allocation of sample across governorates is provided in the Methodology document available among external resources in Arabic.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The questionnaire design follows the latest International Labor Organization (ILO) concepts and definitions of labor force, employment, and unemployment.

The questionnaire comprises 4 tables in addition to the identification and geographic data of household on the cover page.

---> Table 1- The housing conditions of the households

This table includes information on the housing conditions of the household: - Type of the dwelling, - Tenure of the dwelling (owned/rent) , - Availability of facilities and services connected to the house - Ownership of durables.

---> Table 2- Demographic and employment characteristics and basic data for all household individuals

Including: gender, age, educational status, marital status, residence mobility and current work status

---> Table 3- Employment characteristics table

This table is filled by employed individuals at the time of the survey or those who were engaged to work during the reference week, and provided information on: - Relationship to employer: employer, self-employed, waged worker, and unpaid family worker - Economic activity - Sector - Occupation - Effective working hours - Health and social insurance - Work place - Contract type - Average monthly wage

---> Table 4- Unemployment characteristics table

This table is filled by all unemployed individuals who satisfied the unemployment criteria, and provided information on: - Type of unemployment (unemployed, unemployed ever worked) - Economic

Abstract

The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) introduced the Labour Force Survey (LFS) program to avail statistics on employment and labour market in Rwanda on a continuous basis, providing bi-annual estimates of the main labour force aggregates. The main objective of the survey is to collect data on the size and characteristics of the labour force, employment, unemployment and other labour market characteristics of the population. The survey was also designed to measure different forms of work, in particular, own-use production work and other components of labour underutilization including time-related underemployment and potential labour force in line with the new international standards, adopted by the 19th International Conference of Labour Statisticians (ICLS) in 2013.

Geographic coverage

Labour force survey data are at the National level coverage but Employment and Labour force participation rate are represented at the District level as well as by residential area.

Analysis unit

Household and individual

Universe

The target population eligible for Labor force survey is 16 years old and above resident of selected households. However, the survey also collected data on certain particular labour-market related issues such as income from employment, migrant workers and workers with disabilities. The survey consider all persons living in private households. It excludes the institutional population permanently residing in houses such as hostels; health resorts; correctional establishments etc., as well as persons living in seasonal dwellings not covered in the survey. It also excludes workers living at their work-sites.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

Sample size determination in most household-based surveys with multi-stage stratified design is based on the principle of first calculating the required sample size for a single «domain» assuming a simple random sample design and no non-response. A domain is a well-defined population group for which estimates with pre-determined accuracy are sought. The results are then extended to allow for non-response and deviation from simple random sampling.

The sample design of the LFS is a two-stage stratified design according to which at the first stage of sampling, a stratified sample of enumeration areas from the latest population census is drawn with probabilities proportional to size measured in terms of the census number of households or census number of household members, and at the second stage of sampling, a fixed number of sample of households is selected with equal probability within each sample enumeration areas. Finally, all household members in the sample households are selected for survey interviewing.

Mode of data collection

Computer Assisted Personal Interview [capi]

Research instrument

The questionnaire of the Rwanda Labour Force Survey 2018 in its present form contains a total of 149 questions organized into 9 sections and a cover page, dealing with following topics: A. Household roster (All Household member) B. Education (Person with 14 years and above) C. Identification of employed, time-related underemployed, unemployed and potential labour force (Person with 14 years and above) D. Characteristics of main job/activity (Person with 14 years and above) E. Characteristics of secondary job/activity (Person with 14 years and above) F. Past employment (Person with 14 years and above) G. Own-use production of goods and services (Person with 14 years and above) H. Subsistence foodstuff production (Person with 14 years and above & Household) I. Housing and household assets (Household)

Not all questions are addressed to every household member. For children below 14 years of age, a minimum number of questions are asked. For older youngsters and adults 14 years of age and above, the number of questions depends on the situation and activities of the person during the reference period. The basic reference period is the last 7 days prior to the date of the interview. For certain questions, however, other reference periods are used. In each case, the relevant reference period is indicated in the text of the question.

Cleaning operations

Since August 2017 an electronic data collection system has replaced paper based questionnaire and data were collected using computerized assisted interview (CAPI). Data was uploaded to NISR severs from the field via wireless network channel by synchronizing every day with the NISR server. It was carried every day to have a daily back up of data. All the activity of codification were also done to the field by interviewers who were trained. Several questions with textual responses were pre-coded in tabled in cascaded way. These concerned education (major field of study in highest qualification attained, and subject of training), occupation and branch of economic activity (at main and secondary job and past employment experience). They were coded into the corresponding national standard classifications using on-screen coding with corresponding dictionaries in Kinyarwanda. Coding of geographic areas and addresses was incorporated in the data entry program as look-up. Following coding, responses of each questionnaire were edited for blanks, missing values, duplicates, out-of-range values, and inconsistencies such as no head of household or age of child greater than age of head of household using developed batches of controlling inconsistence in CsPro and Stata. Edit rules were developed for consistency checks on questions related to the measurement of the main labour force variables, including employment, unemployment, multiple jobholding, total hours usually worked at all jobs, total hours actually worked at all jobs, status in employment at main job, etc. Corrections were made mostly with reference to the original physical questionnaire

Response rate

The response rate for labor force survey 2019 is 98.6%

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

households/individuals

Kind of data

survey

Frequency of data collection

Quarterly

Sampling procedure

Sample size:

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

households/individuals

Kind of data

survey

Frequency of data collection

Four times a year: March, June, September and December

Sampling procedure

Sample size:

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

Background
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is a unique source of information using international definitions of employment and unemployment and economic inactivity, together with a wide range of related topics such as occupation, training, hours of work and personal characteristics of household members aged 16 years and over. It is used to inform social, economic and employment policy. The LFS was first conducted biennially from 1973-1983. Between 1984 and 1991 the survey was carried out annually and consisted of a quarterly survey conducted throughout the year and a 'boost' survey in the spring quarter (data were then collected seasonally). From 1992 quarterly data were made available, with a quarterly sample size approximately equivalent to that of the previous annual data. The survey then became known as the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS). From December 1994, data gathering for Northern Ireland moved to a full quarterly cycle to match the rest of the country, so the QLFS then covered the whole of the UK (though some additional annual Northern Ireland LFS datasets are also held at the UK Data Archive). Further information on the background to the QLFS may be found in the documentation.

Longitudinal data
The LFS retains each sample household for five consecutive quarters, with a fifth of the sample replaced each quarter. The main survey was designed to produce cross-sectional data, but the data on each individual have now been linked together to provide longitudinal information. The longitudinal data comprise two types of linked datasets, created using the weighting method to adjust for non-response bias. The two-quarter datasets link data from two consecutive waves, while the five-quarter datasets link across a whole year (for example January 2010 to March 2011 inclusive) and contain data from all five waves. A full series of longitudinal data has been produced, going back to winter 1992. Linking together records to create a longitudinal dimension can, for example, provide information on gross flows over time between different labour force categories (employed, unemployed and economically inactive). This will provide detail about people who have moved between the categories. Also, longitudinal information is useful in monitoring the effects of government policies and can be used to follow the subsequent activities and circumstances of people affected by specific policy initiatives, and to compare them with other groups in the population. There are however methodological problems which could distort the data resulting from this longitudinal linking. The ONS continues to research these issues and advises that the presentation of results should be carefully considered, and warnings should be included with outputs where necessary.

New reweighting policy
Following the new reweighting policy ONS has reviewed the latest population estimates made available during 2019 and have decided not to carry out a 2019 LFS and APS reweighting exercise. Therefore, the next reweighting exercise will take place in 2020. These will incorporate the 2019 Sub-National Population Projection data (published in May 2020) and 2019 Mid-Year Estimates (published in June 2020). It is expected that reweighted Labour Market aggregates and microdata will be published towards the end of 2020/early 2021.

LFS Documentation
The documentation available from the Archive to accompany LFS datasets largely consists of the latest version of each user guide volume alongside the appropriate questionnaire for the year concerned. However, volumes are updated periodically by ONS, so users are advised to check the latest documents on the ONS Labour Force Survey - User Guidance pages before commencing analysis. This is especially important for users of older QLFS studies, where information and guidance in the user guide documents may have changed over time.

Additional data derived from the QLFS
The Archive also holds further QLFS series: End User Licence (EUL) quarterly data; Secure Access datasets; household datasets; quarterly, annual and ad hoc module datasets compiled for Eurostat; and some additional annual Northern Ireland datasets.

Variables DISEA and LNGLST
Dataset A08 (Labour market status of disabled people) which ONS suspended due to an apparent discontinuity between April to June 2017 and July to September 2017 is now available. As a result of this apparent discontinuity and the inconclusive investigations at this stage, comparisons should be made with caution between April to June 2017 and subsequent time periods. However users should note that the estimates are not seasonally adjusted, so some of the change between quarters could be due to seasonality. Further recommendations on historical comparisons of the estimates will...

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

households/individuals

Kind of data

survey

Frequency of data collection

Quarterly

Sampling procedure

Sample size:

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

Background

New reweighting policy
Following the new reweighting policy ONS has reviewed the latest population estimates made available during 2019 and have decided not to carry out a 2019 LFS and APS reweighting exercise. Therefore, the next reweighting exercise will take place in 2020. These will incorporate the 2019 Sub-National Population Projection data (published in May 2020) and 2019 Mid-Year Estimates (published in June 2020). It is expected that reweighted Labour Market aggregates and microdata will be published towards the end of 2020/early 2021.

Secure Access QLFS household data
Up to 2015, the LFS household datasets were produced twice a year (April-June and October-December) from the corresponding quarter's individual-level data. From January 2015 onwards, they are now produced each quarter alongside the main QLFS. The household datasets include all the usual variables found in the individual-level datasets, with the exception of those relating to income, and are intended to facilitate the analysis of the economic activity patterns of whole households. It is recommended that the existing individual-level LFS datasets continue to be used for any analysis at individual level, and that the LFS household datasets be used for analysis involving household or family-level data. For some quarters, users should note that all missing values in the data are set to one '-10' category instead of the separate '-8' and '-9' categories. For that period, the ONS introduced a new imputation process for the LFS household datasets and it was necessary to code the missing values into one new combined category ('-10'), to avoid over-complication. From the 2013 household datasets, the standard -8 and -9 missing categories have been reinstated.

Secure Access household datasets for the QLFS are available from 2002 onwards, and include additional, detailed variables not included in the standard 'End User Licence' (EUL) versions. Extra variables that typically can be found in the Secure Access versions but not in the EUL versions relate to: geography; date of birth, including day; education and training; household and family characteristics; employment; unemployment and job hunting; accidents at work and work-related health problems; nationality, national identity and country of birth; occurence of learning difficulty or disability; and benefits.

Prospective users of a Secure Access version of the QLFS will need to fulfil additional requirements, commencing with the completion of an extra application form to demonstrate to the data owners exactly why they need access to the extra, more detailed variables, in order to obtain permission to use that version. Secure Access users must also complete face-to-face training and agree to Secure Access' User Agreement (see 'Access' section below). Therefore, users are encouraged to download and inspect the EUL version of the data prior to ordering the Secure Access version.

LFS Documentation
The documentation available from the Archive to accompany LFS datasets largely consists of each volume of the User Guide including the appropriate questionnaires for the years concerned. However, LFS volumes are updated periodically by ONS, so users are advised to check the ONS LFS User Guidance pages before commencing analysis.

The study documentation presented in the Documentation section includes the most recent documentation for the LFS only, due to available space. Documentation for previous years is provided alongside the data for access and is also available upon request.

Review of imputation methods...

Background
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is a unique source of information using international definitions of employment and unemployment and economic inactivity, together with a wide range of related topics such as occupation, training, hours of work and personal characteristics of household members aged 16 years and over. It is used to inform social, economic and employment policy. The LFS was first conducted biennially from 1973-1983. Between 1984 and 1991 the survey was carried out annually and consisted of a quarterly survey conducted throughout the year and a 'boost' survey in the spring quarter (data were then collected seasonally). From 1992 quarterly data were made available, with a quarterly sample size approximately equivalent to that of the previous annual data. The survey then became known as the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS). From December 1994, data gathering for Northern Ireland moved to a full quarterly cycle to match the rest of the country, so the QLFS then covered the whole of the UK (though some additional annual Northern Ireland LFS datasets are also held at the UK Data Archive). Further information on the background to the QLFS may be found in the documentation.

Longitudinal data
The LFS retains each sample household for five consecutive quarters, with a fifth of the sample replaced each quarter. The main survey was designed to produce cross-sectional data, but the data on each individual have now been linked together to provide longitudinal information. The longitudinal data comprise two types of linked datasets, created using the weighting method to adjust for non-response bias. The two-quarter datasets link data from two consecutive waves, while the five-quarter datasets link across a whole year (for example January 2010 to March 2011 inclusive) and contain data from all five waves. A full series of longitudinal data has been produced, going back to winter 1992. Linking together records to create a longitudinal dimension can, for example, provide information on gross flows over time between different labour force categories (employed, unemployed and economically inactive). This will provide detail about people who have moved between the categories. Also, longitudinal information is useful in monitoring the effects of government policies and can be used to follow the subsequent activities and circumstances of people affected by specific policy initiatives, and to compare them with other groups in the population. There are however methodological problems which could distort the data resulting from this longitudinal linking. The ONS continues to research these issues and advises that the presentation of results should be carefully considered, and warnings should be included with outputs where necessary.

New reweighting policy
Following the new reweighting policy ONS has reviewed the latest population estimates made available during 2019 and have decided not to carry out a 2019 LFS and APS reweighting exercise. Therefore, the next reweighting exercise will take place in 2020. These will incorporate the 2019 Sub-National Population Projection data (published in May 2020) and 2019 Mid-Year Estimates (published in June 2020). It is expected that reweighted Labour Market aggregates and microdata will be published towards the end of 2020/early 2021.

LFS Documentation
The documentation available from the Archive to accompany LFS datasets largely consists of the latest version of each user guide volume alongside the appropriate questionnaire for the year concerned. However, volumes are updated periodically by ONS, so users are advised to check the latest documents on the ONS Labour Force Survey - User Guidance pages before commencing analysis. This is especially important for users of older QLFS studies, where information and guidance in the user guide documents may have changed over time.

Additional data derived from the QLFS
The Archive also holds further QLFS series: End User Licence (EUL) quarterly data; Secure Access datasets; household datasets; quarterly, annual and ad hoc module datasets compiled for Eurostat; and some additional annual Northern Ireland datasets.

Variables DISEA and LNGLST
Dataset A08 (Labour market status of disabled people) which ONS suspended due to an apparent discontinuity between April to June 2017 and July to September 2017 is now available. As a result of this apparent discontinuity and the inconclusive investigations at this stage, comparisons should be made with caution between April to June 2017 and subsequent time periods. However users should note that the estimates are not seasonally adjusted, so some of the change between quarters could be due to seasonality. Further recommendations on historical comparisons of the estimates will be given in November 2018 when ONS are due to publish estimates for July to September 2018.

An article explaining the quality assurance investigations that have been conducted so far is available on the ONS Methodology webpage. For any queries about Dataset A08 please email Labour.Market@ons.gov.uk.

Occupation data for 2021 and 2022 data files

The ONS has identified an issue with the collection of some occupational data in 2021 and 2022 data files in a number of their surveys. While they estimate any impacts will be small overall, this will affect the accuracy of the breakdowns of some detailed (four-digit Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)) occupations, and data derived from them. Further information can be found in the ONS article published on 11 July 2023: https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/articles/revisionofmiscodedoccupationaldataintheonslabourforcesurveyuk/january2021toseptember2022" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Revision of miscoded occupational data in the ONS Labour Force Survey, UK: January 2021 to September 2022.

2022 Weighting

The population totals used for the latest LFS estimates use projected growth rates from Real Time Information (RTI) data for UK, EU and non-EU populations based on 2021 patterns. The total population used for the LFS therefore does not take into account any changes in migration, birth rates, death rates, and so on since June 2021, and hence levels estimates may be under- or over-estimating the true values and should be used with caution. Estimates of rates will, however, be robust.

Latest edition information

For the second edition (February 2025), the data file was resupplied with the 2024 weighting variable included (LGWT24).

LFS data are used to produce the well-known unemployment rate as well as other standard labour market indicators such as the employment rate and the participation rate. The LFS also provides employment estimates by industry, occupation, public and private sector, hours worked and much more, all cross-classifiable by a variety of demographic characteristics. Estimates are produced for Canada, the provinces, the territories and a large number of sub-provincial regions. For employees, data on wage rates, union status, job permanency and establishment size are also produced. These data are used by different levels of government for evaluation and planning of employment programs in Canada. Regional unemployment rates are used by Employment and Social Development Canada to determine eligibility, level and duration of insurance benefits for persons living within a particular employment insurance region. The data are also used by labour market analysts, economists, consultants, planners, forecasters and academics in both the private and public sector.

Abstract

THE CLEANED AND HARMONIZED VERSION OF THE SURVEY DATA PRODUCED AND PUBLISHED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH FORUM REPRESENTS 100% OF THE ORIGINAL SURVEY DATA COLLECTED BY THE PALESTINIAN CENTRAL BUREAU OF STATISTICS

The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) carried out four rounds of the Labor Force Survey 2019 (LFS). The survey rounds covered a total sample of about 24,478 households (about 6000 households per quarter).

The main objective of collecting data on the labour force and its components, including employment, unemployment and underemployment, is to provide basic information on the size and structure of the Palestinian labour force. Data collected at different points in time provide a basis for monitoring current trends and changes in the labour market and in the employment situation. These data, supported with information on other aspects of the economy, provide a basis for the evaluation and analysis of macro-economic policies.

The raw survey data provided by the Statistical Agency were cleaned and harmonized by the Economic Research Forum, in the context of a major project that started in 2009. During which extensive efforts have been exerted to acquire, clean, harmonize, preserve and disseminate micro data of existing labor force surveys in several Arab countries.

Geographic coverage

Covering a representative sample on the region level (West Bank, Gaza Strip), the locality type (urban, rural, camp) and the governorates.

Analysis unit

1- Household/family. 2- Individual/person.

Universe

The survey covered all Palestinian households who are a usual residence of the Palestinian Territory.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

THE CLEANED AND HARMONIZED VERSION OF THE SURVEY DATA PRODUCED AND PUBLISHED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH FORUM REPRESENTS 100% OF THE ORIGINAL SURVEY DATA COLLECTED BY THE PALESTINIAN CENTRAL BUREAU OF STATISTICS

The methodology was designed according to the context of the survey, international standards, data processing requirements and comparability of outputs with other related surveys.

---> Target Population: It consists of all individuals aged 10 years and Above and there are staying normally with their households in the state of Palestine during 2019.

---> Sampling Frame: The sampling frame consists of a comprehensive sample selected from the Population, Housing and Establishments Census 2017: This comprehensive sample consists of geographical areas with an average of 150 households, and these are considered as enumeration areas used in the census and these units were used as primary sampling units (PSUs).

---> Sampling Size: The estimated sample size is 7,800 households in each quarter of 2019.

---> Sample Design The sample is two stage stratified cluster sample with two stages : First stage: we select a systematic random sample of 536 enumeration areas for the whole round. Second stage: we select a systematic random sample of 15 households from each enumeration area selected in the first stage.

---> Sample strata: The population was divided by: 1- Governorate (16 governorate) 2- Type of Locality (urban, rural, refugee camps).

---> Sample Rotation: Each round of the Labor Force Survey covers all of the 536 master sample enumeration areas. Basically, the areas remain fixed over time, but households in 50% of the EAs were replaced in each round. The same households remain in the sample for two consecutive rounds, left for the next two rounds, then selected for the sample for another two consecutive rounds before being dropped from the sample. An overlap of 50% is then achieved between both consecutive rounds and between consecutive years (making the sample efficient for monitoring purposes).

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The survey questionnaire was designed according to the International Labour Organization (ILO) recommendations. The questionnaire includes four main parts:

---> 1. Identification Data: The main objective for this part is to record the necessary information to identify the household, such as, cluster code, sector, type of locality, cell, housing number and the cell code.

---> 2. Quality Control: This part involves groups of controlling standards to monitor the field and office operation, to keep in order the sequence of questionnaire stages (data collection, field and office coding, data entry, editing after entry and store the data.

---> 3. Household Roster: This part involves demographic characteristics about the household, like number of persons in the household, date of birth, sex, educational level…etc.

---> 4. Employment Part: This part involves the major research indicators, where one questionnaire had been answered by every 15 years and over household member, to be able to explore their labour force status and recognize their major characteristics toward employment status, economic activity, occupation, place of work, and other employment indicators.

Cleaning operations

---> Raw Data PCBS started collecting data since 1st quarter 2019 using the hand held devices in Palestine excluding Jerusalem in side boarders (J1) and Gaza Strip, the program used in HHD called Sql Server and Microsoft. Net which was developed by General Directorate of Information Systems. Using HHD reduced the data processing stages, the fieldworkers collect data and sending data directly to server then the project manager can withdrawal the data at any time he needs. In order to work in parallel with Gaza Strip and Jerusalem in side boarders (J1), an office program was developed using the same techniques by using the same database for the HHD.

---> Harmonized Data - The SPSS package is used to clean and harmonize the datasets. - The harmonization process starts with a cleaning process for all raw data files received from the Statistical Agency. - All cleaned data files are then merged to produce one data file on the individual level containing all variables subject to harmonization. - A country-specific program is generated for each dataset to generate/ compute/ recode/ rename/ format/ label harmonized variables. - A post-harmonization cleaning process is then conducted on the data. - Harmonized data is saved on the household as well as the individual level, in SPSS and then converted to STATA, to be disseminated.

Response rate

The survey sample consists of about 31,582 households of which 24,487 households completed the interview; whereas 15,574 households from the West Bank and 8,913 households in Gaza Strip. Weights were modified to account for non-response rate. The response rate in the West Bank reached 78.7% while in the Gaza Strip it reached 93.1%.

Sampling error estimates

---> Sampling Errors Data of this survey may be affected by sampling errors due to use of a sample and not a complete enumeration. Therefore, certain differences can be expected in comparison with the real values obtained through censuses. Variances were calculated for the most important indicators: the variance table is attached with the final report. There is no problem in disseminating results at national or governorate level for the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

---> Non-Sampling Errors Non-statistical errors are probable in all stages of the project, during data collection or processing. This is referred to as non-response errors, response errors, interviewing errors, and data entry errors. To avoid errors and reduce their effects, great efforts were made to train the fieldworkers intensively. They were trained on how to carry out the interview, what to discuss and what to avoid, carrying out a pilot survey, as well as practical and theoretical training during the training course. Also data entry staff were trained on the data entry program that was examined before starting the data entry process. To stay in contact with progress of fieldwork activities and to limit obstacles, there was continuous contact with the fieldwork team through regular visits to the field and regular meetings with them during the different field visits. Problems faced by fieldworkers were discussed to clarify any issues. Non-sampling errors can occur at the various stages of survey implementation whether in data collection or in data processing. They are generally difficult to be evaluated statistically.

They cover a wide range of errors, including errors resulting from non-response, sampling frame coverage, coding and classification, data processing, and survey response (both respondent and interviewer-related). The use of effective training and supervision and the careful design of questions have direct bearing on limiting the magnitude of non-sampling errors, and hence enhancing the quality of the resulting data. The implementation of the survey encountered non-response where the case ( household was not present at home ) during the fieldwork visit and the case ( housing unit is vacant) become the high percentage of the non response cases. The total non-response rate reached 16.6% which is very low once compared to the household surveys conducted by PCBS , The refusal rate reached 3.0% which is very low percentage compared to the household surveys conducted by PCBS, and the reason is the short and clear questionnaire .

Data appraisal

Concept of data quality covers many aspects, starting from the initial planning of the survey to the dissemination of the results and how well users understand and use the data. There are seven dimensions