1.1. Contact organisation
Swiss Federal Statistical Office
1.2. Contact organisation unit
Labour Force section
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
Espace de l'Europe 10
CH-2000 Neuchâtel
1.6. Contact email address
Confidential because of GDPR
1.7. Contact phone number
Confidential because of GDPR
1.8. Contact fax number
Confidential because of GDPR
2.1. Metadata last certified
9 May 2025
2.2. Metadata last posted
9 May 2025
2.3. Metadata last update
9 May 2025
3.1. Data description
Pre-filled example: The EU Labour Force Survey (EU-LFS) is the largest European household sample survey. Its main statistical objective is to classify the population of working age (15 years and over) into three mutually exclusive and exhaustive groups: employed persons, unemployed persons, which together represent the ‘labour force’, and the people outside the labour force. Country can modify or add more information.
| Abbreviation |
Explanation |
|---|---|
| CV |
Coefficient of variation (or relative standard error) |
| Y/N |
Yes / No |
| H/P |
Households/Persons |
| M? |
Member State doesn’t know |
| NA |
Not applicable/ Not relevant (used for textual data) |
| NaN |
Not applicable (used for numerical data) |
| UNA |
Information unavailable |
| NR |
Non-response: Member State doesn’t answer to Eurostat request for information. Blank is allowed only in boxes with comments |
| LFS |
Labour Force Survey |
| EU-LFS |
European Union Labour Force Survey |
| SLFS |
Swiss Labour Force Survey |
| NUTS |
Nomenclature of territorial units for statistics or corresponding statistical regions in the EFTA and candidates countries |
| CATI |
Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing |
| CAWI |
Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing |
| IESS FR |
Integration of European Social Statistics framework regulation |
| SFSO |
Swiss Federal Statistical Office |
| LAMAS |
Labour Market Statistics Working Group at Eurostat |
| ILO |
International Labour Organization |
3.2. Classification system
The EU-LFS results are produced in accordance with the relevant international classification systems. The main classifications used are NACE Rev. 2 for economic activity, ISCO 08 (from 2011) for occupation, ISCED 2011 for level of education (from 2014) and ISCED-F 2013 for field of education (from 2016). Actual coding in the EU-LFS may deviate to some extent from those general standards; for more details on classifications, levels of aggregation and transition rules, please consult EU-LFS (Statistics Explained) - Methodology.
3.3. Coverage - sector
The survey population consists of all persons living in private households aged 15 years and older.
3.3.1. Coverage
The SFLS covers only the permanent resident population in Switzerland and excludes some categories of foreign persons. The permanent resident population includes all persons who officially reside in Switzerland for the entire year. Swiss citizens, foreign citizens holding a permanent residence permit or a residence permit valid for at least one year fall into this category.
3.3.2. Inclusion/exclusion criteria for members of the household
The SLFS is conducted as a household/person survey; i.e. only one person per household is selected for the interview.
3.3.3. Questions relating to labour status are put to all persons aged
Questions relating to labour status are put to all persons aged 15 to 89.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
All variables and concepts are in line with the ESS and international standards.
3.4.1. Household concept
Housekeeping (legal residence)
3.4.2. Definition of household for the EU-LFS
Housekeeping (legal residence): Set of persons sharing the same registered main residence (information extracted from the population register at the moment of sampling and updated during the interview). This definition of household is identical to the one applied in the Swiss Census.
3.4.3. Population concept
(Intended or actual) usual residence in the country for a continuous period of at least 12 months
3.4.4. Specific population subgroups
| Population concept |
Specific population subgroups |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary/secondary students |
Tertiary students |
People working out of family home for an extended period for the purpose of work |
People working away from family home but returning for weekends |
Children alternating two places of residence |
|
| (Intended or actual) usual residence in the country for a continuous period of at least 12 months |
Legal (main) residence |
Legal (main) residence |
Legal (main) residence |
Legal (main) residence |
Legal (main) residence |
3.5. Statistical unit
The SLFS is conducted as a household/person survey, i.e. only one person per household is selected for the interview.
3.6. Statistical population
The survey population consists of all persons living in private households aged 15 years and older. The SFLS covers only the permanent resident population in Switzerland and excludes some categories of foreign persons. The permanent resident population includes all persons who officially reside in Switzerland for the entire year. Swiss citizens, foreign citizens holding a permanent residence permit or a residence permit valid for at least one year fall into this category.
3.7. Reference area
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
3.8. Coverage - Time
Yearly data available from 1991 on, quarterly data available from 2010 on.
3.9. Base period
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
The LFS produces different indicators with different measures:
- Numbers;
- Percentages.
Quarter and year
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
EU level:
The EU-LFS is based on European legislation since 1973. The principal legal acts, currently in force, are the Regulation (EU) 2019/1700 establishing a common framework for European social statistics, the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/256 establishing a multiannual rolling planning, the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2181 regarding items common to several datasets, and the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2240 which specifies the implementation rules, technical items and contents of the EU-LFS.
National level:
The SLFS is conducted in accordance with the Ordinance on the Conduct of Statistical Surveys of June 30, 1993 (SR 431.012.1). The appendix to this ordinance defines the name, purpose, subject, survey timing and method.
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
The SFSO makes available to the Commission (Eurostat) the data and metadata required under the Regulation 2019/2240 using the statistical data and metadata exchange standards specified by the Commission (Eurostat) and the Single Entry Point.
The Commission (Eurostat) shall, in cooperation with Member States, publish the aggregated data on the Commission (Eurostat) website, in a user‐friendly way, as soon as possible and within six months of the transmission deadline for annual and infra‐annual data collection.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
EU level:
Regulation (EU) No 557/2013 17 June 2013 as regards access to confidential data for scientific purposes and repealing Commission Regulation (EC) No 831/2002. It implements the Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on European Statistics, which sets criteria for confidentiality of data.
National level:
The ordinance on the Conduct of Statistical Surveys of June 30, 1993 (SR 431.012.1) regulates confidentiality and due diligence, as well as data protection. In particular, it stipulates that information from surveys such as the SLFS may only be used for statistical purposes, that the results of surveys may only be published or made accessible in a form that excludes any identification of the persons and households surveyed, and that personal records and survey documents must be destroyed as soon as they are no longer needed for data entry, completion and control.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
National microdatasets contain only the year of birth of each respondent but not the exact date of birth nor a variable such as PASSBIR. Furthermore, the commune of residence is not made available in case it has fewer than 5000 residents. Administrative identifiers, interconnecting statistical identifiers and any other identification data is removed.
8.1. Release calendar
EU level:
(1) the Member States shall transmit pre‐checked microdata without direct identifiers, according to the following two‐step procedure:
(a) during the first three years of implementation of this Regulation, as provided for in Article 11(4):
— for quarterly data: within ten weeks of the end of the reference period,
— for other data: by 31 March of the following year;
(b) from the fourth year of implementation as follows:
— for quarterly data: within eight weeks of the end of the reference period,
— for other data regularly transmitted: by 15 March of the following year,
— for other data concerning ad‐hoc subjects: by 31 March of the following year.
Where those deadlines fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the effective deadline shall be the following Monday. The detailed topic income from work may be transmitted to the Commission (Eurostat) within fifteen months of the end of the reference period.
(2) The Member States shall transmit aggregated results for the compilation of monthly unemployment statistics within 25 days of the reference or calendar month, as appropriate. If the data are transmitted in accordance with the ILO definition, that deadline may be extended to 27 days.
National level:
In parallel to the above mentionned transmission of microdata to Eurostat, the SFSO provides quarterly and yearly sets of anonymised microdata to its clients at the national level. Quarterly datasets are made available approximately 8 weeks after the end of the reference quarter, the yearly datasets (including the eight-yearly and ad-hoc modules) approximately 4 months after the end of the reference year.
8.2. Release calendar access
8.3. Release policy - user access
EU level:
European social statistics are provided on the basis of equal treatment of all types of users, such as policy‐ makers, public administrations, researchers, trade unions, students, civil society representatives including non‐ governmental organisations, and citizens, which can access statistics freely and easily through Commission (Eurostat) databases on its website and in its publications.
National level:
Standard tables for free access are published on the NSI's website. Furthermore, national micordata sets are available under the following conditions:
- use for scientific means only
- no further disclosure to third parties
- no data linking
- data protection
- destruction of the data after the completion of the research project for which the data have been accessed
- delivery costs charged to the data users
Results are disseminated to all users at the same time.
First release, quarterly (4x), yearly (1x), ad hoc module results (1x)
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
The SFSO issues a press release upon each data publication: SLFS Publcations and findings.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
The SFSO regularly publishes in-depth labour market analyses based on SLFS data: SLFS Publcations and findings.
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
SFSO catalogue of publications
10.3.1. Data tables - consultations
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
10.3.2. Web link to national methodological publication
SLFS Methodology (Available only in German and French and partially outdated)
10.3.3. Conditions of access to data
Aggregated data are available to the public, microdata are available to researchers.
10.3.4. Accompanying information to data
Questionnaire, List of national variables, Codebook, and methodological explanations are available on the SFSO's website: SLFS fact sheet and methodological publications.
Furthermore, a detailed user manual is available to microdata users.
10.3.5. Further assistance available to users
The SFSO offers further assistance via phone (+41 584 63 64 00) or email (info.arbeit@bfs.admin.ch).
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
Anonymized microdata are available under certain restrictions (cf. micro-data confidentiality rules in 7).
10.4.1. Accessibility to EU-LFS national microdata (Y/N)
Y
10.4.2. Who is entitled to the access (researchers, firms, institutions)?
Anyone signing a contract pertaining to the use of the data is entitled to access SLFS microdata.
10.4.3. Conditions of access to data
Use for scientific means only. No further disclosure to third parties. No data linking. Data protection. Destruction of the data after the completion of the research project for which the data have been accessed.
10.4.4. Accompanying information to data
A detailed user manual is available to microdata users.
10.4.5. Further assistance available to users
The SFSO offers further assistance via phone (+41 584 63 64 00) or email (info.arbeit@bfs.admin.ch).
10.5. Dissemination format - other
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
10.5.1. Metadata - consultations
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
10.6. Documentation on methodology
See below.
10.6.1. Metadata completeness - rate
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
10.6.2. References to methodological notes about the survey and its characteristics
SLFS Fact sheet
SLFS Methodology (Available only in German and French and partially outdated)
10.7. Quality management - documentation
11.1. Quality assurance
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
There are currently about 100 contracts for the use of micro-data for studies of all kind (universities, research institutes, other federal agencies, regional statistical institutes). Furthermore, the SLFS is regularly used to handle questions and/or motions of the Swiss federal parliament.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
12.3. Completeness
All content requirements are met.
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
12.3.2. NUTS level of detail
No publication of results below level NUTS2, except for some cantons that are participating and increasing the sample size for their territory
12.3.2.1. Regional level of an individual record (person) in the national data set
Commune (municipality)
12.3.2.2. Lowest regional level of the results published by NSI
NUTS 2 (no publication below this level, except for some cantons that are participating and increasing the sample size for their territory)
12.3.2.3. Lowest regional level of the results delivered to researchers by NSI
NUTS 3 (on demand, researchers can access the micro-data containing all regional information down to the lowest possible level)
13.1. Accuracy - overall
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
13.2. Sampling error
Non-probability sampling is used.
13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
The sampling error ist expressed in terms of confidence intervals.
13.2.1.1. Coefficient of variation (CV) Annual estimates %
References to Annex File.
13.2.1.2. Coefficient of variation (CV) Annual estimates at NUTS-2 Level %
References to Annex File.
13.2.1.3. Description of the assumption underlying the denominator for the calculation of the CV for the employment rate
Employment rate = number of employed persons / N, where N is the size of the population of persons aged 15-74 and N is fixed due to the calibration;
Thus: Variance of employment rate = variance of number of employed persons / N2;
And: CV(employment rate) = (variance of number of employed persons)1/2 / N * (N / number of employed persons)
13.2.1.4. Reference on software used
SAS (proc means, proc glm)
13.2.1.5. Reference on method of estimation
Purpose-made method that takes into account the effect of calibration in the estimation of variance (based on the formula introduced by Deville in Caron et al. (1998)(**).
(**) Caron, N., Deville, J. & Sautory, O. (1998). Estimation de données issues d’enquêtes : document méthodologique sur le logiciel POULPE. Tech. Rep. 9806, INSEE, Paris.
13.3. Non-sampling error
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
13.3.1. Coverage error
References to Annex File.
13.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
See in the 13.3.1. Coverage error section in Annex.
13.3.1.2. Common units - proportion
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
13.3.1.3. Misclassification errors – detection of mismatches of identifiers
See in the 13.3.1. Coverage error section in Annex.
13.3.1.4. Misclassification errors –description of the main misclassification problems encountered in collecting the data and the methods used to process misclassifications
References to Annex File.
13.3.2. Measurement error
See below.
13.3.2.1. Errors due to the media (questionnaire)
References to Annex File.
13.3.2.2. Main methods of reducing measurement errors
References to Annex File.
13.3.3. Non response error
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
13.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate
See below.
13.3.3.1.1. Methods used for adjustments for statistical unit non-response
References to Annex File.
13.3.3.1.2. Non-response rates. Annual averages (% of the theoretical yearly sample)
References to Annex File.
13.3.3.1.2.1. Non-response rates. Annual averages (% of the theoretical yearly sample) – NUTS-2 level
References to Annex File.
13.3.3.1.3. Units who did not participate in the survey
References to Annex File.
13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
The item non-response rate for a given variable is defined as the ratio between in-scope (eligible) units that have not responded and in-scope (eligible) units that are required to respondto the particular item.
13.3.3.2.1. Item non-response (INR) in % * - Quarterly data (Compared to the variables defined by the Commission Regulation (EC) No 2019/2240)
References to Annex File.
13.3.3.2.2. Item non-response (INR) in % * - Annual data (Compared to the variables defined by the Commission Regulation (EC) No 2019/2240)
References to Annex File.
13.3.3.2.3. Item non-response for INCGROSS variable
References to Annex File.
13.3.4. Processing error
There are no imputations in the SLFS. INCGROSS is the only variable edited during data processing.
13.3.4.1. Editing and imputation process
References to Annex File.
13.3.5. Model assumption error
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
14.1. Timeliness
References to Annex File.
14.1.1. Time lag - first result
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
14.2. Punctuality
All quarterly releases in the period covered by the present report were delivered in due time. As an exception, the yearly microdata were delivered with a delay of 14 weeks, due to an encompassing revision.
14.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
There are no significant problems of comparability between Switzerland's regions.
15.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
15.1.2. Divergence of national concepts from European concepts
| European concept or National proxy concept used) List all concepts where any divergences can be found |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Is there any divergence between the national and European concepts for the following characteristics? |
(Y/N) |
Give a description of difference and provide an assessment of the impact of the divergence on the statistics |
| Definition of resident population (*) |
N |
NA |
| Identification of the main job (*) |
N |
NA |
| Employment |
N |
NA |
| Unemployment |
N |
NA |
15.2. Comparability - over time
During the period covered by the present report, there have been no methodological or data-related changes affecting comparability of the SLFS data.
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series
Yearly SLFS data are available since 2001, quarterly SLFS data are available since 2010Q1. There are no substantial breaks in time series affecting the entire set of variables.
15.2.1.1. Length of time series
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
15.2.1.2. Length of comparable time series
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
15.2.2. Changes at CONCEPT level introduced during the reference year and affecting comparability with previous reference periods (including breaks in series)
References to Annex File.
15.2.3. Changes at MEASUREMENT level introduced during the reference year and affecting comparability with previous reference periods (including breaks in series)
References to Annex File.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts
|
|
Description of difference in concept |
Description of difference in measurement |
Give an assessment of the effects of the differences |
Give references to description of differences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total employment |
National accounts data cover all persons working in Switzerland (domestic concept, NACE sections A-T), while SLFS data cover all persons whose main place of residence is in Switzerland (permanent resident population concept, NACE sections A-U). |
NA |
Concept level: the covered population differs considerably, which leads to significant discrepancies in the results. |
|
| Total employment by NACE |
National accounts data cover all persons working in Switzerland (domestic concept, NACE sections A-T), while SLFS data cover all persons whose main place of residence is in Switzerland (permanent resident population concept, NACE sections A-U). |
NA |
Concept level: the covered population differs considerably, which leads to significant discrepancies in the results. |
|
| Number of hours worked |
National accounts data cover all persons working in Switzerland (domestic concept, NACE sections A-T), while SLFS data cover all persons whose main place of residence is in Switzerland (permanent resident population concept, NACE sections A-U). |
NA |
Concept level: the covered population differs considerably, which leads to significant discrepancies in the results. |
|
15.3.3. Which is the use of EU-LFS data for National Account Data?
| Which is the use of LFS data for National Account Data? |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country uses LFS as the only source for employment in national accounts. |
Country uses mainly LFS, but replacing it in a few industries (or labour status), on a case-by-case basis |
Country doesn’t make use of LFS, or makes minimal use of it |
Country combines sources for labour supply and demand giving precedence to labour supply sources (i.e. LFS) |
Country combines sources for labour supply and demand not giving precedence to any labour side |
Country combines sources for labour supply and demand giving precedence to labour demand sources (i.e. employ- ment registers and/or enterprise surveys) |
| N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
Y |
15.3.4. Coherence of EU-LFS data with Business statistics data
|
|
Description of difference in concept |
Description of difference in measurement |
Give an assessment of the effects of the differences |
Give references to description of differences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total employment |
Business statistics data cover all persons working in Switzerland (domestic concept, NACE sections B-S, registered firms), whereas SLFS data cover all persons whose main place of residence is in Switzerland (permanent resident population concept, NACE sections A-U). |
Business statistics data unit is “job”, whereas SLFS data unit is “person”. |
Concept level: the covered population differs considerably, which leads to significant discrepancies in the results. |
|
| Total employment by NACE |
Business statistics data cover all persons working in Switzerland (domestic concept, NACE sections B-S, registered firms), whereas SLFS data cover all persons whose main place of residence is in Switzerland (permanent resident population concept, NACE sections A-U). |
Business statistics data unit is “job”, whereas SLFS data unit is “person”. |
Concept level: the covered population differs considerably, which leads to significant discrepancies in the results. |
|
| Number of hours worked |
The number of hours worked is not measured by the Business statistics |
NA |
NA |
NA |
15.3.5. Coherence of EU-LFS data with registered unemployment
| Description of difference in concept |
Description of difference in measurement |
Give references to description of differences |
|---|---|---|
| In the SLFS, unemployment corresponds to the ILO/Eurostat definition. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO publishes a monthly unemployment rate which only takes into account unemployed persons registered at the public employment office. |
SLFS: survey Registered unemployment: monthly collection of data form the public employment offices |
15.3.6. Assessment of the effect of differences of EU-LFS unemployment and registered unemployment
| Give an assessment of the effects of the differences |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall effect |
Men under 25 years |
Men 25 years and over |
Women under 25 years |
Women 25 years and over |
Regional distribution (NUTS-3) |
| On average, the LFS unemployement rate for the total population is 1.9 percentage point higher than the registered unemployment rate (annual data from 2015 to 2024). |
On average, the LFS unemployement rate for men under 25 years is 5.3 percentage points higher than the registered unemployment rate (annual data from 2015 to 2024). |
On average, the LFS unemployement rate for men 25 years and over is 1.0 percentage points higher than the registered unemployment rate (annual data from 2015 to 2024). |
On average, the LFS unemployement rate for women under 25 years is 5.4 percentage point higher than the registered unemployment rate (annual data from 2015 to 2024). |
On average, the LFS unemployement rate for women 25 years and over is 1.8 percentage point higher than the registered unemployment rate (annual data from 2015 to 2024) |
NA |
15.3.7. Comparability and deviation for the INCGROSS variable
References to Annex File.
15.4. Coherence - internal
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
In 2021, both the cost of the survey and the burden on respondents were significantly reduced by introducing CAWI as an alternative to CATI.
16.1. Number of staff involved in the EU-LFS in central and regional offices, excluding interviewers. Consider only staff directly employed by the NSI.
References to Annex File.
16.2. Duration of the interview by Final Sampling Unit
References to Annex File.
17.1. Data revision - policy
The SLFS data are revised at irregular intervals, according to necessity.
17.1.1. Is the general data revision policy fully compliant with the ESS Code of Practice principles? (in particular see the 8th principle) (Y/N)
Y
17.1.2. Is the country revision policy compliant with the ESS guidelines on revision policy for PEEIs?
N
17.2. Data revision - practice
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
18.1. Source data
The SLFS is a person survey. However, part of the information on person and household characteristics, on characteristics of the local unit in which the respondent works, as well as on the registration at a public employment service, is derived from register data (cf. 18.3.2. for more detail).
18.1.1. Source data - frame population
| Sampling design (scheme; simple random sample, two stage stratified sample, etc.) |
Base used for the sample (sampling frame) |
Last update of the sampling frame (continuously updated or date of the last update) |
Primary sampling unit (PSU) |
Final sampling unit (FSU) |
Date of sample selection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
The full sample for the SLFS consists of two subsamples: Both subsamples are stratified by canton (NUTS 3 region) of residence: the size of each stratum is proportionate to the population size of the respective canton, except for the canton of Ticino (NUTS 3=CH07), for which the proportion of the sample is fixed at 6% of its population size. |
The base used for both subsamples is the SFSO's Sampling Frame for Person and Household Surveys, which contains administrative data provided by cantonal and communal resident's register offices and covers 100% of Switzerland's permanent resident population. |
Continuously (quarterly) updated |
Household |
erson |
Quarterly sampling: 6 to 7 weeks before the beginning of the reference quarter. Date of the register at the moment of sampling: 3 months before the beginning of the reference quarter |
18.1.2. Sampling design & Procedure method
| First (and intermediate) stage sampling method |
Final stage sampling method |
Stratification (variable used) |
Number of strata (if strata change quarterly, refer to Q4). |
Rotation scheme (2-2-2, 5, 6, etc.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Random poisson sample of households stratified by canton (NUTS 3 region) of residence: the size of each stratum is proportionate to the population size of the respective canton, except for the canton of Ticino (NUTS 3=CH07), for which the proportion of the sample is fixed at 6% of its population size. |
Simple random selection of one person among all household members aged 15+ |
Canton (NUTS 3 region) of residence |
24 |
2-(2)-2 |
18.1.3. Yearly sample size & Sampling rate
References to Annex File.
18.1.4. Quarterly sample size & Sampling rate
References to Annex File.
18.1.5. Use of subsamples to survey structural variables (wave approach)
| Only for countries using a subsample for yearly variables |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Wave(s) for the subsample |
Are the 30 totals for ILO labour status (employment, unemployment and inactivity) by sex (males and females) and age groups (15-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55+) between the annual average of quarterly estimates and the yearly estimates from the subsample all consistent? (Ref.: Commission Reg. 2019/2240) (Y/N) |
If not please list deviations |
List of yearly variables for which the wave approach is used (Ref.: Commission Reg. 2019/2240, Annex I) |
| 1st and 3rd waves |
Y |
NA |
The wave approach is used for all structural variables according to Commission Implementing Reg. 2019/2240:
MIGREAS, SHIFTWK, EVENWK, NIGHTWK, SATWK, SUNWK, EDUCFED12, EDUCLEV12, EDUCNFE12, GENHEALTH, GALI, eight-yearly variables, variables on ad hoc subjects |
18.2. Frequency of data collection
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
18.3. Data collection
| Data collection methods: brief description |
Use of dependent interviewing (Y/N)? |
In case of Computer Assisted Methods adoption for data collection, could you please indicate which software is used? |
|---|---|---|
| Since 2021, the SLFS is basically conducted as a CAWI/CATI mixed-mode survey with a prioritization of CAWI (CAWI-first approach): in principle, the respondents are encouraged to participate in CAWI mode, but they can still choose to participate via CATI if they prefer doing so, and even if they initially chose to participate via CAWI, they have always the possibility to switch to CATI later on (but not the other way around). Part of the information on person and household characteristics, on characteristics of the local unit in which the respondent works, as well as on the registration at a public employment service, is derived from register data. Furthermore, in the follow-up interviews (waves 2-4), some of the data previously gathered in the preceding wave(s) are included and asked to be confirmed. The questionnaire exists in 4 languages (German, French, Italian and English). |
Y |
LDCS ('LINK Data Collection System', a software developped by the private survey institute which is mandated by the SFSO to carry out the SLFS field work) |
18.3.1. Final sampling unit collected by interviewing technique (%)
References to Annex File.
18.3.2. Info from registers
| Are any LFS data collected from registers (Y/N)? |
If Y, please indicate which variable(s) are partly collected from registers. |
If Y, please indicate which variable(s) are fully collected from registers. |
|---|---|---|
| Y |
YEARESID, DEGURBA, NACE3D, SIZEFIRM, NACE2J2D, NACEPR2D
|
SEX, YEARBIR, PASSBIR, AGE, CITIZENSHIP, COUNTRYB, REGISTER
|
*In case of non-core variables in the EU-LFS, different percentages of imputation may come from administrative data.
18.3.3. Description of data collection and reference period for INCGROSS variable
References to Annex File.
18.3.4. Description of percentiles and bands used for INCGROSS variable
References to Annex File.
18.4. Data validation
Member States shall transmit to the Commission (Eurostat) quarterly and annual datasets with pre-checked microdata that comply with validation rules according to the specification of variables for their coding and filter conditions set out in Annex I of the Regulation 2019/2240. Member States and the Commission shall agree on additional validation rules that shall be fulfilled as a condition for transmitted data to be accepted.
Arithmetic and qualitative controls are used in the validation process, including comparison with other data. Before data dissemination, the internal coherence of the data is checked.
18.5. Data compilation
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
References to Annex File. Please note that in the Annex file the sheet related to this concept has a slightly different title, ‘Imputation - rate (item non-response)'.
18.5.1.1. Editing and imputation process for INCGROSS variable
References to Annex File.
18.5.2. Brief description of the method of calculating the quarterly core weights
| Brief description of the method of calculating the quarterly core weights |
Is the sample population in private households expanded to the reference population in private households? (Y/N) |
If No, please explain which population is used as reference population |
Gender is used in weighting (Y/N) |
Which age groups are used in the weighting (e.g., 0-14, 15-19, ..., 70-74, 75+)? |
Which regional breakdown is used in the weighting (e.g. NUTS 3)? |
Other weighting dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The weighting procedure is based out on a two-phase process: |
N |
Private households and collective households |
Y |
15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+ |
NUTS 3 |
Nationality, residence permit, duration of residence, marital status, labour market status, number of jobs, income decile, grade of invalidity to work, reception of invalidity or old age pension, reception of social assistance, registration at public employment office, duration of registration at public employment office, economic activity of the local unit, legal form of the local unit (Source: most recent register data available). Additionally, the household composition is used for the adjustment of non response. |
18.5.3. Brief description of the method of calculating the yearly weights (please indicate if subsampling is applied to survey yearly variables)
| Brief description of the method of calculating the yearly weights (please indicate if subsampling is applied to survey yearly variables) |
Gender is used in weighting (Y/N) |
Which age groups are used in the weighting (e.g., 0-14, 15-19, ..., 70-74, 75+)? |
Which regional breakdown is used in the weighting (e.g. NUTS3)? |
Other weighting dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
The 1st and 3rd waves are used for the subsample for yearly and biennial variables. The weighting procedure is based out on a two-phase process: |
Y |
15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+ |
NUTS 3 |
Average of (labour market status*age group*sex) per quarter, nationality, residence permit, duration of residence, marital status, labour market status, number of jobs, income decile, grade of invalidity to work, reception of invalidity or old age pension, reception of social assistance, registration at public employment office, duration of registration at public employment office, economic activity of the local unit, legal form of the local unit (Source: most recent register data available). Additionally, the household composition is used for the adjustment of non response. |
18.5.4. Brief description of the method of calculating the weights for households
|
18.6. Adjustment
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
| Do you apply any seasonal adjustment to the LFS Series? (Y/N) |
If Yes, is your adopted methodology compliant with the ESS guidelines on seasonal adjustment? (ref. ESS guidelines on seasonal adjustment - Products Manuals and Guidelines - Eurostat (europa.eu) (Y/N) |
If Yes, are you compliant with the Eurostat/ECB recommendation on Jdemetra+ as software for conducting seasonal adjustment of official statistics. (weblink) (Y/N) |
If Not, please provide a description of the used methods and tools |
| Y |
Y |
Y |
NA |
Pre-filled example: The EU Labour Force Survey (EU-LFS) is the largest European household sample survey. Its main statistical objective is to classify the population of working age (15 years and over) into three mutually exclusive and exhaustive groups: employed persons, unemployed persons, which together represent the ‘labour force’, and the people outside the labour force. Country can modify or add more information.
| Abbreviation |
Explanation |
|---|---|
| CV |
Coefficient of variation (or relative standard error) |
| Y/N |
Yes / No |
| H/P |
Households/Persons |
| M? |
Member State doesn’t know |
| NA |
Not applicable/ Not relevant (used for textual data) |
| NaN |
Not applicable (used for numerical data) |
| UNA |
Information unavailable |
| NR |
Non-response: Member State doesn’t answer to Eurostat request for information. Blank is allowed only in boxes with comments |
| LFS |
Labour Force Survey |
| EU-LFS |
European Union Labour Force Survey |
| SLFS |
Swiss Labour Force Survey |
| NUTS |
Nomenclature of territorial units for statistics or corresponding statistical regions in the EFTA and candidates countries |
| CATI |
Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing |
| CAWI |
Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing |
| IESS FR |
Integration of European Social Statistics framework regulation |
| SFSO |
Swiss Federal Statistical Office |
| LAMAS |
Labour Market Statistics Working Group at Eurostat |
| ILO |
International Labour Organization |
9 May 2025
All variables and concepts are in line with the ESS and international standards.
The SLFS is conducted as a household/person survey, i.e. only one person per household is selected for the interview.
The survey population consists of all persons living in private households aged 15 years and older. The SFLS covers only the permanent resident population in Switzerland and excludes some categories of foreign persons. The permanent resident population includes all persons who officially reside in Switzerland for the entire year. Swiss citizens, foreign citizens holding a permanent residence permit or a residence permit valid for at least one year fall into this category.
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
Quarter and year
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
The LFS produces different indicators with different measures:
- Numbers;
- Percentages.
Not requested for the LFS quality report.
The SLFS is a person survey. However, part of the information on person and household characteristics, on characteristics of the local unit in which the respondent works, as well as on the registration at a public employment service, is derived from register data (cf. 18.3.2. for more detail).
First release, quarterly (4x), yearly (1x), ad hoc module results (1x)
References to Annex File.
There are no significant problems of comparability between Switzerland's regions.
During the period covered by the present report, there have been no methodological or data-related changes affecting comparability of the SLFS data.
