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Labour Statistics: Concepts, Sources and Methods was originally released in 2001 in both electronic and paper versions (cat. no. 6102.0). The paper publication will not be rereleased. However, the web version (cat. no. 6102.0.55.001) is being updated on an ongoing basis. This chapter was updated on 8 February, 2006.

INTRODUCTION

20.1 The ABS has conducted the Labour Force Survey since 1960. The survey was quarterly before February 1978, and has been monthly since then. The content of the survey has remained broadly the same since its introduction, but is regularly updated to ensure that it is the most appropriate for the provision of accurate labour force statistics.

20.2 The purpose of the Labour Force Survey (LFS) is to provide timely information on the labour market activity of the usually resident civilian population of Australia aged 15 and over. The statistics of most interest each month are the estimates of the number of employed and unemployed people, the unemployment rate and the labour force participation rate. The rate of change in the number of people employed is a key indicator of the pace of economic growth. The unemployment rate (the percentage of the labour force that is unemployed) is the main measure of unutilised labour, and the participation rate (the percentage of the population in the labour force) reflects changes in total labour availability.


SURVEY OUTPUT

20.3 Data are compiled according to concepts and definitions outlined in Chapters 2-7. Estimates are published monthly, initially in Labour Force, Australia (cat. no. 6202.0) and associated spreadsheets. Further results are published a week later in the more detailed 6291.0.55.001 set of spreadsheets and datacubes. More detailed estimates are available on request. In addition, Labour Force Survey data are included in the quarterly publication Australian Labour Market Statistics (cat. no. 6105.0).

20.4 The survey output includes:

• members of the permanent defence forces

• certain diplomatic personnel of overseas governments, customarily excluded from census and estimated population counts

• overseas residents in Australia

• members of non-Australian defence forces (and their dependants) stationed in Australia.

	New South Wales	Victoria	Queensland	South Australia	Western Australia	Tasmania	Northern Territory	Australian Capital Territory
1971 redesign	1 in 200	1 in 200	1 in 140	1 in 100	1 in 90	1 in 60	1 in 100	1 in 200
1976 redesign	1 in 200	1 in 200	1 in 140	1 in 100	1 in 90	1 in 60	1 in 100	1 in 100
1981 redesign	1 in 200	1 in 200	1 in 140	1 in 100	1 in 100	1 in 60	1 in 100	1 in 100
1986 redesign	1 in 230	1 in 230	1 in 160	1 in 115	1 in 115	1 in 70	1 in 115	1 in 115
1991 redesign	1 in 277	1 in 242	1 in 195	1 in 139	1 in 146	1 in 75	1 in 75	1 in 75
1996 redesign	1 in 300	1 in 257	1 in 222	1 in 147	1 in 160	1 in 83	1 in 85	1 in 85
2001 redesign	1 in 321	1 in 270	1 in 239	1 in 149	1 in 165	1 in 90	1 in 98	1 in 86

• state/territory of usual residence, by

• part of state of usual residence (capital city, rest of state), by

• age (ages 15-24 as single years, five-year age groups to age 69, one group for age 70 and over), by

• sex.

• AusStats, the ABS' web-based information service (AusStats provides the ABS' full product range on-line);

• Labour Force Australia, Historical Summary 1966-1984 (cat. no. 6204.0) (for quarterly series from August 1966 to November 1977);

• The Labour Force 1964 to 1968 Historical Supplement (Reference no. 6.22) (February 1964 to May 1966 data, original); and

• The Labour Force 1977 (cat. no. 6204.0) for the last release of seasonally adjusted series for February 1964 to May 1966.

SURVEY	EVENT
Nov 1960	Quarterly survey commenced. State capital cities only, including people aged 14 and over, but excluding the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. Sample of 1% of households Australia wide, with 1/8 rotation in private dwellings and 1/4 rotation in other dwellings.
Nov 1963	First release of state capital city series, November 1960-November 1963 Employment and Unemployment, October 1963 (Ref. no. 6.4) issued February 1964. Estimates and population benchmarks based on 1961 Census data. Labour force definitions based on ICLS 1954.
Feb 1964	Quarterly national survey commenced. Capital city series continued in absence of release of national series. Capital city estimates and population benchmarks based on 1961 Census data.
Aug 1966	Scope of survey population reduced to people aged 15 and over, due to changes in the school leaving age and to conform with definitions used in the 1966 Population Census. Indigenous population included: see February 1969 revision. Additional questions introduced on steps taken to find a job. The grouping of hours worked changed to reflect recommendations from ICLS 1961. Occupation classified according to Classification and Classified List of Occupations (CCLO) 1966 Census edition. Industry classified according to Classification and Classified List of Industries (CCLI) 1966 Census edition and 1966 Group Employer Place of Work index.
Aug 1967	Additional questions introduced to better identify employees of incorporated enterprises (some of whom had previously been incorrectly classified as employers or self-employed).
Feb 1969	First release of national series in the quarterly publication The Labour Force, Preliminary Estimates, August 1966-February 1969 (Ref. no. 6.20). Subsequent publications titled The Labour Force (Ref. no. 6.20). Estimates and population benchmarks from February 1964 based on 1966 Census data, state of enumeration/place of usual residence basis from February 64 onwards, including Indigenous population from August 1966 onwards.
May 1970	First release of national seasonally adjusted series.
Jul 1970	Annual issue of The Labour Force, Historical Supplement 1964-1968 (Ref. no. 6.22) commenced, subsequent publications titled The Labour Force (Ref. no. 6.22).
Aug 1971	Classification of trainee teachers changed from 'employed' to 'not in the labour force', to conform with 1971 Census practice and international recommendations regarding activity principles. For the period August 1971 to August 1972, industry responses coded to both CCLI and ASIC, leading to full adoption of industry classified according to 1971 Census ASIC (August 1969 Preliminary edition) and 1971 Census Industry/Destination zone employer index from November 1972, and conversion of August 1966-May 1971 industry series to ASIC.
Nov 1971	Occupation classified according to CCLO 1971 edition, replacing CCLO 1966 version.
Feb 1972	Questions on country of birth and year of arrival in Australia added. February 1972 data published as supplementary survey results and then quarterly in The Labour Force (Ref. no. 6.20) from May 1972 onwards.
May 1972	Sample redesign based on 1971 Population Census, phased in from May 1972 to November 1972. Introduction of different sampling fractions across states and territories, with overall fraction reduced from 1% to 0.67%.
Nov 1972	First release of preliminary labour force estimates in the quarterly publication The Labour Force (Preliminary) (Ref. no. 6.32), issued in May 1973. See August 1971 note re industry coding.
Nov 1973	Seasonal adjustment of estimates for unemployed males, females and people by separate adjustment of unemployed series by sex (males, females) by age (15-19 years, 20 years and over). Previously, estimates were obtained by a (single) direct adjustment to the total estimate. Seasonally adjusted unemployment estimates February 1964-August 1973 revised. For final publication of February 1964-May 1966 seasonally adjusted series (1966-based, excluding Indigenous population) see The Labour Force, 1977 (cat. no. 6204.0).
Nov 1974	First collection of Relationship in household data. Labour Force Status and Other Characteristics of Families (cat. no. 6224.0) first published as an irregular. See also Labour Force, Australia (cat. no. 6203.0) various issues e.g. May 1977, July 1980. First release of preliminary unemployment estimates in the quarterly publication Unemployment, Preliminary Estimates (Ref. no. 6.31), issued in December 1974. Relationship in household (and hence families) estimates excluded persons in institutions. 'Family status' imputed for persons in private households where any member was out of scope, absent for six weeks or more at survey, or who were a visitor. Families estimates based on proxy (household head) weight.
Feb 1975	Estimates excluded Darwin (due to effects of cyclone Tracy). Respondents asked if they looked for work in the last four weeks (previously looked for work last week). Availability question added. Unemployment series and definition continued on old basis, with separate publication of new question results until February 1976. Unemployment definition and series based on new questions adopted from May 1976.
May 1975	Estimates and population benchmarks based on 1971 Census benchmarks. Revisions to August 1966-November 1972 principal series, and from February 1973 onwards, full revision of all estimates and series (including annual seasonal factor re-analysis).
May 1976	Following February 1975 question changes, definition of unemployment revised to incorporate active job search, and availability to start work in the reference week (with separate provision for temporary illness and future starters). Series revised from February 1975.
Aug 1977	Catalogue numbers replaced reference numbers - cat. no. 6202.0 replaced Ref. no. 6.32 and cat. no. 6203.0 replaced Ref. no. 6.20.
Nov 1977	In preparation for the start of monthly surveys in February 1978 (with a new questionnaire, revised 1976 Census based sample and 1976 based population benchmarks), two surveys were conducted simultaneously in November 1977. Of these two surveys, one provided the published November 1977 results, based on the old questionnaire, the old 1971-based sample design (reduced to 0.5%), and the 1971-based population benchmarks. The other survey, based on the new questionnaire and the new, 1976-based sample, was used to prepare adjustment factors and revisions to historical estimates, so that comparable historical series could be published with the first release of February 1978 survey results. Occupation classified according to CCLO 1976 edition, replacing CCLO 1971 version. Industry classified according to ASIC 1969 edition and Integrated Business Register employer index. Catalogue numbers replaced reference numbers - cat. no. 6201.0 replaced Ref. no. 6.35.
Feb 1978	Monthly national survey commenced. The Labour Force Survey adopted as the official national measure of unemployment. Interviews conducted over 2 one-week periods, previously 4 one-week periods. Estimates and benchmarks based on 1976 Census data, with series from August 1971 onwards revised to 1976-based benchmarks. Complex mix of reweighting unit record files, and/or key series adjustment: not all files, nor all series, were revised (see Labour Force Australia, Historical Summary 1966-1984 (cat. no. 6204.0) Appendix 1). With the full implementation of the 1976 Census based sample design, 1/8 monthly sample rotation was introduced for non-private dwellings: whole sample now subject to 1/8 rotation. New questionnaire, with substantial redesign of question wording, structure and sequence to improve data quality collected on 0.5% sample, new design. Changes included separate questions on looking for full-time/looking for part-time job; active search more clearly identified, availability and future starters better identified. Some impact on employed, main impact on unemployed seeking part-time work. New definitions of employment and unemployment adopted. Definition of unemployed persons looking for first job was revised to "unemployed persons who had never worked full time for two weeks or more". Prior to November 1977 the definition was "unemployed persons who had never had a job". August 1966-November 1977 series revised to comparable basis, as a result of new questionnaire introduction. Seasonally adjusted series continued on a quarterly basis, pending accumulation of sufficient results to permit adjustment of monthly series.
Jul 1979	Annual issue of Labour Force Status and Other Characteristics of Families (cat. no. 6224.0) commenced (July each year except 1981 (June), then June each year from 1986).
Nov 1979	Industry classified according to ASIC 1978 edition, replacing ASIC 1969 edition.
Aug 1981	Occupation classified according to CCLO November 1980 edition, replacing CCLO 1976 version.
Nov 1981	Minor rewording and re-ordering of categories of steps taken to look for work. No impact on data or definitions.
Feb 1982	Seasonally adjusted series introduced for monthly estimates series from February 1978 onwards. Annual seasonal factor re-analysis and series revision carried out at February each year from this survey.
Oct 1982	Full sample flipped-over to sample redesign based on 1981 Population Census, including modifications to enable production of regional estimates within states, and estimates by state of usual residence. Additional questions to identify usual residence and family relationship, with marital status questions reworded and de facto relationships coded as married. Additional identification of persons usually working less than 35 hours per week. 1981 ASGC based Labour Force Statistical Regions classification.
Dec 1982	Monthly publication Unemployment, Preliminary (cat. no. 6101.0) discontinued, final release issued in January 1983.
Jul 1983	Scope for 'Family status' (and hence families estimates) restricted to usual residents of private dwellings where all usual residents were within the survey scope and in on coverage at survey date. 'Family status' and families estimates thus exclude all persons in non-private dwellings, persons visiting private dwellings, or households where any member was out of scope or absent for six weeks or more at survey.
Feb 1984	Estimates and population benchmarks based on 1981 Census data. Estimates for the period October 1982 on revised to full state of usual residence basis on 1981 Census benchmarks. Estimates from February 1978 to September 1982 revised to 1981-based benchmarks but remain on the previous state of enumeration/place of usual residence basis.
Sept 1984	Monthly publication of Relationship in household and Families estimates in Labour Force, Australia (cat. no. 6203.0) commenced. Scope and estimation as for annual collection.
Nov 1984	Industry classified according to ASIC 1983 edition, replacing ASIC 1978 edition.
Apr 1986	Definition of employed persons altered, to include persons working 1 to 14 hours without pay in a family business or farm, in line with ILO definitions (ICLS 1982). Minor question wording and sequence changes in consequence. Significant break in series for employed, employed part-time, unemployed and related unemployment rates. Dependants definition, and the Family status item 'full-time student', includes full-time students aged 15-24 (previously aged 15-20). Weighting of families estimates changed, from proxy (household head) weight to harmonic mean of weights of all responding members of the family.
Aug 1986	Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO) introduced for classification of occupation of persons, replacing CCLO 1981.
Sept 1987 to Dec 1987	Sample redesign based on the 1986 Population Census. New sample phased in. Overall sample fraction 0.6%. 1986 ASGC based Labour Force Statistical Regions classification.
Nov 1988	Additional unemployment variable introduced: reason for ceasing last job (job losers/job leavers). No change in definition nor break in series.
Feb 1989	Estimates and population benchmarks based on 1986 Census data. All estimates for the period January 1984 onwards revised.
June 1989	'Family type' class 'Other families' split into 'One parent families' and 'Other families'.
Nov 1989	Optical Mark Recognition questionnaire design and data capture method introduced.
Sept 1992 to Dec 1992	Sample redesign based on the 1991 Population Census. New sample phased in. Overall fraction 0.5%. 1991 ASGC based Labour Force Statistical Regions classification.
Feb 1993	Introduction of seasonally adjusted and trend series for Employed persons by Industry of main job (at Industry Division level).
Jul 1993	Jervis Bay Territory excluded from the scope of the survey. Previously it was included in estimates for the Australian Capital Territory.
Feb 1994	Estimates and population benchmarks based on 1991 Census data. All estimates for the period January 1989 on revised. Status in employment class titles amended to reflect ICLS ICSE-93.
Mar 1994	'Relationship in household' and 'Family type' classifications aligned with ABS standards, resulting in some breaks in comparability with previous Family status and family type classifications.
Aug 1994	Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) introduced in place of ASIC 1983 edition. Revised historical estimates published of employment by ANZSIC group August 1984 onwards.
Aug 1995	Seasonally adjusted and trend estimates of long-term unemployment published for the first time.
Aug 1996 to Feb 1997	Telephone interviewing implemented progressively. Initial impact on data dissipated by end of implementation period.
Aug 1996	Occupation coded using Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO) Second Edition replacing the first edition of ASCO.
Sept 1997 to Apr 1998	Sample redesign phased in based on the 1996 Population Census. Overall fraction 0.5%. 1996 ASGC based Labour Force Statistical Regions classification.
Feb 1999	Estimates and population benchmarks based on 1996 Census data. All estimates for the period January 1995 on revised.
Feb 2000	Computer assisted coding introduced for industry and occupation in place of manual coding and reference to the ABS Business Register. Derivation of status in employment changed to remove reference to the ABS Business Register for limited liability information. Breaks in series for Status in employment, Industry and Occupation series.
Mar 2000 to Jul 2000	One rotation group each month enumerated by new questionnaire for evaluation purposes. Data converted to existing definitions at estimation stage.
Sept 2000	NSW enumeration one week early to allow for Olympic Games.
Apr 2001	New questionnaire implemented. For information on the changes made to the questionnaire, see Information Paper: Questionnaires Used in the Labour Force Survey, 2001 (cat. no. 6232.0). New or extended data on: job tenure; underemployment; hours worked; duration of unemployment; and marginal attachment to the labour force. Minor definitional changes to employment and unemployment relating to: short term absences; unavailability due to illness; and contributing family workers (ICLS 1982, ICSE-93, ICLS 1998). The core labour force series were revised back to April 1986 to account for these definitional changes, but the changes were not made at the unit record level at this time.
Aug 2001	Enumeration one week later than usual to avoid overlap with Population Census.
Nov 2002 to Jun 2003	Sample redesign phased in based on the 2001 Population Census. Overall fraction 0.45%. 2001 ASGC based Labour Force Statistical Regions classification introduced for the new design, replacing the 1996 ASGC based Labour Force Statistical Regions classification. Sample selection stage in less populated areas based on the ASGC Remoteness structure instead of population density. In hotels and motels, only those units occupied by usual residents enumerated. A sample frame for Indigenous communities was introduced as an aid to enumeration in the LFS and household surveys generally. For more information on the sample redesign, see Information Paper: Labour Force Survey Sample Design, November 2002 (cat. no. 6269.0).
Feb 2003	Monthly publication Labour Force, Australia (cat. no. 6203.0) discontinued, final release issued in March 2003. Additional question on underemployed workers and their availability to work extra hours within four weeks of the survey date included. For more information on the changes to the questionnaire, see Information Paper: Questionnaires Used in the Labour Force Survey, 2004 (cat. no. 6232.0).
Apr 2003	Monthly publication Labour Force, Australia, Preliminary (cat. no. 6202.0) renamed Labour Force, Australia (cat. no. 6202.0). Quarterly publication Australian Labour Market Statistics (cat. no. 6105.0) commenced.
Oct 2003 to Aug 2004	Computer assisted interviewing progressively implemented in place of pen-and paper questionnaire.
Dec 2003	Concurrent monthly and quarterly analysis of seasonal adjustment factors introduced in place of annual forward factor analysis and revision. For more information on concurrent seasonal adjustment, see Information Paper: Forthcoming Changes to Labour Force Statistics, 2003 (cat. no. 6292.0).
Feb 2004	Estimates and population benchmarks based on 2001 Census data. All estimates for the period January 1999 to January 2004 revised. The definition of unemployed persons was changed to include 'future starters' (persons who had not actively looked for work because they were waiting to start a new job within four weeks from the end of the survey reference week, and could have started in the reference week if the job had been available then). These persons had previously been classified as not in the labour force. Historical series from April 2001 were revised to the new basis as part of the benchmark revision. Unit record data revised for the period September 1997 to March 2001, to account for the definitional changes introduced in April 2001. Industry and occupation series revised back to August 2000 to include 'not further defined' categories in cases where there is not enough detail provided to allow the ABS to code people to the lowest level of these classifications. (From the introduction of computer assisted coding in 2000 until November 2003, these responses were proportionally distributed to the most detailed level of the classification.) For more information on the changes introduced in February 2004, see Information Paper: Forthcoming Changes to Labour Force Statistics, 2003 (cat. no. 6292.0).
May 2005	Autocoding (AC) introduced for the coding of industry and occupation data. Industry and occupation codes are applied automatically by a computer matching the survey responses to an industry or occupation index. Where the AC system is unable to allocate a valid code to a record, the record is then passed on to the Computer Assisted Coding (CAC) system for coding. Comparisons of the estimates of employed persons at the industry Division and occupation Major Group level from each of the two methods showed that in a small number of cases there were statistically significant differences between the two methods. These differences were inconsistent across the months analysed, and were so small and variable, that application of adjustment factors is not warranted.