Labor force surveys: definition of terms

Published May 12, 2009 1:04pm

Source: National Statistics Office Also read: NSO Labor Force Surveys Table Labor force: the population 15 years old and over, whether employed or unemployed, who contribute to the production of goods and services in the country.

NOTE:

The current definition of "unemployed" is based on the International Labor Organization (ILO) concept. Adopted by the National Statistics Office in April 2005, the ILO concept sets three criteria in order for a person 15 years old or older to be considered as unemployed. He or she must be

without work, AND
is actively seeking work OR not seeking work due to valid reasons, AND
currently available for work.

The old Philippine definition of "unemployed" considered only the first two criteria. Under the new definition (ILO concept), people unavailable for work, or are available for work but are not looking for work, are not part of the labor force and are not considered as unemployed.

Labor force participation rate [ total number of persons in the labor force / total population 15 years old and over ] x 100% Employed: include all those who, during the reference period are 15 years old and over as of their last birthday and are reported either:

At work. Those who do any work even for one hour during the reference period for pay or profit, or work without pay on the farm or business enterprise operated by a member of the same household related by blood, marriage or adoption; or
With a job but not at work. Those who have a job or business but are not at work because of temporary illness/injury, vacation or other reasons. Likewise, persons who expect to report for work or to start operation of a farm or business enterprise within two weeks from the date of the enumeratorâ€™s visit, are considered employed.

Employment rate [ total number of employed persons / total number of persons in the labor force ] x 100% Unemployed (ILO definition): include all those who, during the reference period are 15 years old and over as of their last birthday, are:

without work, or had no job/business during the basic survey reference period; AND
seeking work, i.e., had taken specific steps to look for a job or establish business during the basic survey reference period; OR not seeking work due to the following reasons:
- believe no work available
- awaiting results of previous job application;
- temporary illness/disability;
- bad weather; and
- waiting for rehire/job recall
AND currently available for work, i.e., were available and willing to take up work in paid employment or self-employment during the basic survey reference period, and/or would be available and willing to take up work in paid employment or self-employment within two weeks after the interview date

Unemployment rate: [ total number of unemployed persons / total number of persons in the labor force ] x 100% Underemployed: include all employed persons who express the desire to have additional hours of work in their present job or an additional job, or to have a new job with longer working hours. Underemployment rate: [ total number of underemployed persons / total number of employed persons ] x 100%

Tags: socialweatherstations, swssurvey, unemployment, rpemployment