Title
European Union Labour Force Survey 1998
Geographical Coverage
Time Period Covered
Since 1998, the transition to a quarterly continuous survey (with reference weeks spread uniformly throughout the year) has been gradually conducted by Member States. Some countries first introduced a continuous annual survey (meaning the reference weeks were uniformly distributed throughout the spring quarter) and then switched to a quarterly collection, whereas others moved directly to a quarterly continuous survey.
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Eurostat (2023): EU-LFS database User Guide
Eurostat: The European Union labour force survey. Methods and definitions – 1998.
Country Specific Information: EU-LFS 1998
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LV - Latvia
Producer
Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia
Date of Data Collection
All weeks in 2nd & 4th quarter, not uniformly spread
Participation Mandatory
No
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
28.30 %
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LU - Luxembourg
Corresponding National Study
Erhebung über Arbeitskräfte
Producer
infas Institute for Applied Social Sciences
Universe
The resident population comprises persons registered as residing in one of the communes.
Source Of Sampling Frame
Central Population Register
Sampling Design
Probability
- random
- not stratified
- one stage
Primary Sampling Units
Households
Secondary Sampling Units
Not used
Stratification Criteria
No stratification is carried out.
Number Of Rotational Groups
4
Date of Data Collection
One week per quarter
Participation Mandatory
No
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
43.24 %
Design Weight: Target
Household
Design Weight: Method
Inverse of selection probability
Non-response Weight: Method
The a posteriori stratification variables are age group, sex, nationality and household size. The weightings are a function of the pattern of settlement and are updated according to the a posteriori stratification criteria.
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LT - Lithuania
Producer
Statistics Lithuania
Date of Data Collection
One week in 2nd & 4th quarter
Participation Mandatory
No
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
44.54 %
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RO - Romania
Producer
National Instititue of Statistics Romania
Date of Data Collection
Continuous survey
Participation Mandatory
No
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
27.62 %
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NO - Norway
Producer
Statistics Norway
Date of Data Collection
Continuous survey
Participation Mandatory
No
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
14.16 %
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HU - Hungary
Producer
Hungarian Central Statistical Office
Date of Data Collection
Spring results
Participation Mandatory
No
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
32.93 %
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FR - France
Corresponding National Study
Questionnaire logement de l’enquête emploi
Producer
National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
Universe
Population aged 15+ living in private or collective households on French metropolitan territory.
Source Of Sampling Frame
Population Census of 1999
Sampling Design
Probability
- random
- stratified
- multi-stage
Primary Sampling Units
Area units
Secondary Sampling Units
Area units
Stratification Criteria
The primary units were stratified by crossing 21 regions and
10 categories of commune.
For the second level, in the rural cantons and the urban units
with fewer than 10 000 inhabitants, in each primary unit
sample, communes with fewer than 160 dwellings were
combined with adjoining communes. A commune (or group
of communes) was then drawn with a probability proportional
to the number of dwellings.
In each urban sample with more than 10 000 inhabitants, a
list of census districts was drawn up, showing the number of
dwellings. After a calculation of the quotient between the
number of dwellings in the urban unit and the number of
areas to be drawn there, districts were segmented in as
many portions and a sample district in proportion to the
number of houses was drawn in each portion. The same
principle was applied to urban areas with more than 100 000
inhabitants.
The final level of sampling consists in cutting out the
secondary unit in areas with between about 80 to 160
dwellings according to the strata.
Number Of Rotational Groups
3
Date of Data Collection
Spring results (more than 1 week)
Participation Mandatory
Yes
Type Of Data Source
Register,Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
28.42 %
Design Weight: Target
Person
Design Weight: Method
Inverse of selection probability
Non-response Weight: Method
Each of the three sub-samples is adjusted in line with the population pyramid at the time of the survey, by sex and five-year age group.
Coverage Adjustment Weight: Method
During the second phase, a method known as raking ratio is used to adjust the weighting of each household so that the survey estimates agree with independent demographic estimates by sex and five-year age group. This method ensures that analyses at the level of individuals and households yield consistent results.
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BE - Belgium
Corresponding National Study
Continuous Labour Force Survey /
Ständige Erhebung über Arbeitskräfte
Producer
Directorate-general Statistics and Economic Information
Universe
Members of households residing on the national territory as at 1 January.
Source Of Sampling Frame
National Register of Persons
Sampling Design
Probability
- random
- stratified
- multi-stage
Primary Sampling Units
Area units
Secondary Sampling Units
Households
Stratification Criteria
The entire national territory is divied into districts forming 43 strata.
Number Of Rotational Groups
0
Date of Data Collection
Spring results
Participation Mandatory
Yes
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
29.15 %
Design Weight: Target
Person
Non-response Weight: Method
The population and the sample are the subject of a posteriori stratification by administrative district, sex and age.
Coverage Adjustment Weight: Method
In each of the strata thus obtained, a weighting is calculated whose
numerator is the population as at 1 January according to the National Register of Persons and whose denominator the number of usable responses.
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DE - Germany
Corresponding National Study
The German micro-census /
Mikrozensus
Producer
Statistische Ämter des Bundes und der Länder
Universe
The resident population is that whose main place of residence is in the territory of the Federal Republic. Foreign armed forces and members of the diplomatic corps and their families are excluded.
Source Of Sampling Frame
1) Census data from 1987: survey base for former BRD. 2) Central population register of the German Democratic Republic: data for former DDR. 3) Register of new dwellings
Sampling Design
Probability
- systematic
- stratified
- one stage
Primary Sampling Units
Dwelling blocks
Secondary Sampling Units
Not used
Stratification Criteria
Region and size of building
Number Of Rotational Groups
4
Date of Data Collection
One week in spring
Participation Mandatory
Yes
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Non-response Weight: Method
A two-stage adjustment procedure is used.
(a) If possible, limited data are collected for households which fail to respond. These data can include: number of members of the household, nationality, and for households comprising only one person: age and sex. From this data, the weightings of respondent households are increased to take account of non-response in the region.
(b) The sample, weighted to take account of non-response, is stratified a posteriori by region, sex, age and nationality and is extrapolated to the population.
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DK - Denmark
Universe
Persons aged 15-66 with domicile in Denmark according to the Central Population Register living in either private or collective households.
Source Of Sampling Frame
Central Population Register
Sampling Design
Probability
- systematic
- stratified
- one stage
Primary Sampling Units
Individuals
Secondary Sampling Units
Not used
Sampling Method
The sample comprises 5000 persons aged 16-66 registered as unemployed two quarters prior to the survey Quarter and 11 665 persons aged 15-74 drawn from the Population register (and not registered as unemployed two quarters prior to the survey quarter).
Number Of Rotational Groups
3
Date of Data Collection
Continuous survey
Participation Mandatory
No
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
1.44%
Design Weight: Target
Person
Design Weight: Method
Inverse of selection probability
Non-response Weight: Method
For the part of the sample comprising registered unemployed persons, an a posteriori stratification by age, income and level of educational attainment is done. For the remainder of the sample, the a posteriori stratification is carried out on the basis of age, gross income and sector of activity.
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FI - Finland
Corresponding National Study
Finnish Labour Force Survey
Producer
Statistics Finland
Universe
Persons who, according to the Population Register, were legally domiciled in Finland on 31 December of the year preceding the survey. Persons temporarily absent from the country are included, as are foreign nationals who intend to reside in Finland for at least a year.
Source Of Sampling Frame
Central Population Register
Sampling Design
Probability
- systematic
- stratified
- multi-stage
Primary Sampling Units
Individuals
Secondary Sampling Units
Not used
Stratification Criteria
The population of individuals is divided into strata, these are
formed according to NUTS 1 regions with over-sampling from the Autonomous Territory of the Åland Islands.
Number Of Rotational Groups
5; 3-(1)-2
Date of Data Collection
One week per month
Participation Mandatory
No
Type Of Data Source
Register,Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
26.81 %
Design Weight: Target
Person
Design Weight: Method
Inverse of selection probability
Non-response Weight: Method
A posteriori stratification at one level is performed by sex, five-year age group and NUTS III region (22 regions).
Coverage Adjustment Weight: Method
"Information on job applicants obtained from the Ministry of Employment is also used as a post-stratification variable.
The data are limited to the aggregates of the central population register."
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IE - Ireland
Corresponding National Study
Quarterly National Household Survey
Producer
Central Statistics Office Ireland
Universe
Persons who usually reside on Irish territory living in private households.
Source Of Sampling Frame
Census of Population 1996
Sampling Design
Probability
- random
- stratified
- multi-stage
Primary Sampling Units
Dwelling blocks
Secondary Sampling Units
Households
Stratification Criteria
Strata are formed by breaking the counties down by degree of urbanisation.
Number Of Rotational Groups
5
Date of Data Collection
Continuous survey
Participation Mandatory
No
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
35.38%
Design Weight: Target
Household
Design Weight: Method
Inverse of selection probability
Non-response Weight: Method
The sample is stratified a posteriori by NUTS III region, age group and sex. Independent demographic estimates are used for the stratification.
Coverage Adjustment Weight: Method
The weightings are calculated using the inverse of the
probability of selection after adjustment to the population pyramid by sex and age group and on population distribution by NUTS III region.
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AT - Austria
Corresponding National Study
The Austrian micro-census / Mikrozensus
Producer
Statistik Austria
Universe
Persons who have their main residence on Austrian territory during the reference week.
Source Of Sampling Frame
Census of Dwellings and Houses
Sampling Design
Probability
- random
- stratified
- one stage
Primary Sampling Units
Dwellings
Secondary Sampling Units
Not used
Stratification Criteria
A stratification was carried out within each Land using data obtained
from the census on the number of occupants, size, period of construction and amenities.
Number Of Rotational Groups
8
Date of Data Collection
Spring results
Participation Mandatory
Yes
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
36.18 %
Design Weight: Target
Dwelling
Design Weight: Method
Inverse of selection probability
Non-response Weight: Method
The extrapolated population is based on independent demographic estimates by Bundesland, sex and age, an additional constraint being that the share of foreign nationals in the total population must tally with the latest demographic estimates. An iterative process is applied to ensure that all members of a given household have an equal weighting.
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CZ - Czech Republic
Producer
Czech Statistical Office
Sampling Design
Probability
- random
- stratified
- multi-stage
Number Of Rotational Groups
5
Date of Data Collection
Continuous survey
Participation Mandatory
No
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
49.83 %
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SE - Sweden
Corresponding National Study
Arbetskraftsundersökningen
Producer
Statistics Sweden
Universe
Persons between 15 and 74 who are domiciled in Sweden according to the Population Register.
Source Of Sampling Frame
Statistics Sweden's Register of the Total Population
Sampling Design
Probability
- systematic
- stratified
- one stage
Primary Sampling Units
Individuals
Secondary Sampling Units
Not used
Stratification Criteria
The sample is stratified according to sex, region, nationality and employment status according to the Register of Employment, which gives a total of 192 strata.
Number Of Rotational Groups
8
Date of Data Collection
Spring results
Participation Mandatory
No
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
3.25 %
Design Weight: Target
Person
Design Weight: Method
Inverse of selection probability
Non-response Weight: Method
Totals are calculated taking into account the probability of selection. The estimate is based on two types of a posteriori stratification, depending on whether the interviewees are employed or unemployed.
To estimate the number of unemployed, a posteriori stratification is carried out by sex, age group and employment status according to the Register of Unemployment.
To estimate the number of persons in employment, and those temporarily absent from work, a posteriori stratification of the sample and population is carried out by sex, age group and branch of activity. 147 strata are obtained this way.
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SI - Slovenia
Producer
Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia
Date of Data Collection
One week per quarter
Participation Mandatory
No
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
55.08 %
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SK - Slovakia
Corresponding National Study
pracovných síl
Producer
Statistical Office of the Slovac Republic
Date of Data Collection
Continuous survey
Participation Mandatory
No
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
60.99 %
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IS - Iceland
Producer
Statistics Iceland
Date of Data Collection
One week per quarter
Participation Mandatory
No
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
1.41 %
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UK - Great Britain
Producer
UK Office for National Statistics
Universe
Persons living in private households, including persons who are temporarily absent.
Source Of Sampling Frame
GB: Royal Mail's Postcode Address File, NI: Rating and Valuation List
Sampling Design
Probability
- systematic
- stratified
- one stage
Primary Sampling Units
Addresses
Secondary Sampling Units
Not used
Stratification Criteria
Most of Great Britain constitutes one stratum, while the far north
of Scotland forms a separate stratum and Northern Ireland three strata (Belfast and eastern and western Northern Ireland).
Sampling Method
Northern Ireland: single random sampling design +
Far north of Scotland: telephone number is PSU
Number Of Rotational Groups
5
Date of Data Collection
Continuous survey
Participation Mandatory
No
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
33.31 %
Design Weight: Target
Address
Design Weight: Method
Inverse of selection probability
Non-response Weight: Method
The adjustment procedure is based on a three-stage a posteriori stratification. Figures are based on independent demographic estimates. The stratification variable for the first stage is the Local Authority District or Unitary Authority. This stage makes it possible to make adjustments for different rates of non-response in the various local authority areas and ensures that the results are geographically representative. The second-stage variables are sex and age group. This stratification is intended to ensure that the age profile of the 16-24 year old is correct at national level. The variables in the third stage are region, sex and age group.
The three stages are applied by means of an iterative procedure designed to ensure that the estimates are consistent with the stratification variable sets.
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IT - Italy
Producer
Italian National Institute of Statistics
Universe
The resident population is that recorded in the Population Registers of Italian communes.
Source Of Sampling Frame
Communal registers
Sampling Design
Probability
- random
- stratified
- multi-stage
Primary Sampling Units
Municipality
Secondary Sampling Units
Households
Stratification Criteria
Stratification of the municipalities in each NUTS 3 province is based on the population of the communes.
Number Of Rotational Groups
6; 2-2-2
Date of Data Collection
One week per quarter
Participation Mandatory
Yes
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
38.09 %
Design Weight: Target
Household
Design Weight: Method
Inverse of selection probability
Non-response Weight: Method
Data are stratified a posteriori by sex and age group. The results are then adjusted to take account of independent demographic estimates and the weightings are calculated taking into account the probability of selection.
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PT - Portugal
Producer
Statistics Portugal
Universe
Individuals residing in a private dwelling during the reference week.
Source Of Sampling Frame
1991 Census
Sampling Design
Probability
- random
- stratified
- multi-stage
Primary Sampling Units
Municipality
Secondary Sampling Units
Census enumeration units
Stratification Criteria
The sample is stratified according to seven NUTS II regions.
Number Of Rotational Groups
6
Date of Data Collection
Continuous survey
Participation Mandatory
Yes
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
47.91 %
Design Weight: Target
Dwelling
Design Weight: Method
Inverse of selection probability
Non-response Weight: Method
A posteriori stratification is carried out by sex and age group. After adjustment for the different probability of sampling between the regions, the results are extrapolated to the total population.
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PL - Poland
Producer
Central Statistical Office of Poland
Date of Data Collection
Spring results
Participation Mandatory
No
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
37.30 %
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CH - Switzerland
Corresponding National Study
SLFS – Swiss Labour Force Survey /
SAKE – Schweizerische Arbeitskräfteerhebung
Producer
Federal Statistical Office FSO
Sampling Design
Probability
- stratified
- multi-stage
Date of Data Collection
Spring results
Participation Mandatory
No
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
0.82 %
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ES - Spain
Corresponding National Study
Economically active population survey
Producer
Spanish Statistical Office
Universe
The population residing in private households is covered, including servants; persons living in collective households and persons who are temporarily absent are sampled via the parents living in private households.
Sampling Design
Probability
- stratified
- multi-stage
Primary Sampling Units
Census sections
Secondary Sampling Units
Dwellings
Stratification Criteria
Stratification is carried out in each primary unit, taking into account the province and the degree of urbanisation of the municipality. The strata thus obtained are subdivided into six sub-strata using information on the predominant socio-economic status of the population in the section.
Sampling Method
Sampling Design: Systematic regarding Primary Sampling Units, Random regarding Secondary Sampling Units
Number Of Rotational Groups
6
Date of Data Collection
Evenly spread with the exception of 4 weeks in august
Participation Mandatory
No
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
0.00%
Design Weight: Target
Household
Design Weight: Method
Inverse of selection probability
Non-response Weight: Method
Every quarter, population projections by age group and Spanish provinces (NUTS 3) are calculated. Projections by age and region are distributed by stratum in proportion to the population of each stratum. In each stratum, age group and region, the weighting is determined by the ratio of the projection to the sample size.
Coverage Adjustment Weight: Method
The sample is calibrated in order to adjust to the population disribution. The auxiliary information used is the population by sex, age, nationality and NUTS 2. A linear weighting method is used, in which each member of the household has the same weight.
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NL - Netherlands
Corresponding National Study
Enquête Beroepsbevolking
Producer
Statistics Netherlands
Universe
Persons residing in the Netherlands living in private households.
Source Of Sampling Frame
List of all addresses drawn up by the postal services in combination with the Population Register.
Sampling Design
Probability
- systematic
- stratified
- multi-stage
Primary Sampling Units
Municipality
Secondary Sampling Units
Addresses
Stratification Criteria
66 strata are defined using cross-classification based on 40
'Corop' regions and 18 employment-exchange regions.
Number Of Rotational Groups
2
Date of Data Collection
1st to 22nd/23rd week, not uniformly spread
Participation Mandatory
No
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
34.36 %
Design Weight: Target
Household
Design Weight: Method
Inverse of selection probability
Non-response Weight: Method
A posteriori stratification in two stages is applied, using independent demographic information. A linear weighting method in which each member of the household has the same weight is used. For a posteriori stratification are used: a detailed breakdown by age, sex, ethnic background, martial status and region.
Coverage Adjustment Weight: Method
Weights are benchmarked to the population totals without the institutional population.
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EE - Estonia
Corresponding National Study
Estonian Labour Force Survey
Producer
Statistics Estonia
Sampling Design
Probability
- systematic
- stratified
- multi-stage
Date of Data Collection
All weeks in 2nd quarter, not uniformly spread
Participation Mandatory
No
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
9.53 %
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EL - Greece
Producer
Hellenic Statistical Authority (EL.STAT)
Source Of Sampling Frame
Census
Sampling Design
Probability
- random
- stratified
- one stage
Primary Sampling Units
Households
Secondary Sampling Units
Not used
Stratification Criteria
Stratification is carried out by administrative region and degree of urbanisation. Thus, each NUTS 2 region constitutes the first stratification level. Within each NUTS 2 region, communes and municipalities are stratified according to the Department (NUTS 3 region) to which they belong and the population of the main town. Saolnika and Athens are divided into 10 and 40 contiguous, well-defined sub-strata respectively.
Number Of Rotational Groups
6
Date of Data Collection
Continuous survey
Participation Mandatory
Yes
Type Of Data Source
Survey
Percentage Of Proxy Interviews
46.3%
Design Weight: Target
Household
Design Weight: Method
Inverse of selection probability
Non-response Weight: Method
No stratification is carried out a posteriori.