Reference metadata describe statistical concepts and methodologies used for the collection and generation of data. They provide information on data quality and, since they are strongly content-oriented, assist users in interpreting the data. Reference metadata, unlike structural metadata, can be decoupled from the data.
Population, Employment & Cost of Living Statistics Division
Labour Statistics Section
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
46, Pireos & Eponiton Str. 18510 - Piraeus
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. Data description
Job Vacancies Statistics (JVS) provide information on the level and structure of labour demand. The country transmits to Eurostat the quarterly data on the number of job vacancies and the number of occupied posts as well as provides the quality report under the JVS framework regulation (EC) No 453/2008 and the two implementing regulations: the implementing regulation (EC) No 19/2009 on the definition of a job vacancy, the reference dates for data collection, data transmission specifications and feasibility studies, as well as the implementing regulation (EC) No 1062/2008 on seasonal adjustment procedures and quality reports.
2.2. Classification system
The quarterly data are broken down by economic activity (at section level) in accordance with NACE Rev.2 - Statistical classification of economic activities in the European Community.
2.3. Coverage - sector
Sector coverage
JVS covers enterprises with employment greater than or equal to three (3) individuals and belong to all economic activities except NACE Rev. 2 sections:
A (‘Agriculture, forestry and fishing’), T (‘Activities of households as employers; undifferentiated goods and services producing activities of households for own use’) and U (‘Activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies’).
Geographical coverage
Greece, total.
2.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
A 'job vacancy' is defined as a paid post that is newly created, unoccupied, or about to become vacant:
for which the employer is taking active steps and is prepared to take further steps to find a suitable candidate from outside the enterprise concerned; and
which the employer intends to fill either immediately or within a specific period of time.
‘Active steps to find a suitable candidate’ include:
notifying the job vacancy to the public employment services,
contacting a private employment agency/head hunters,
advertising the vacancy in the media (for example internet, newspapers, magazines),
advertising the vacancy on a public notice board,
approaching, interviewing or selecting possible candidates/potential recruits directly,
approaching employees and/or personal contacts,
using internships.
'Specific period of time’ refers to the maximum time the vacancy is open and intended to be filled. That period shall be unlimited; all vacancies for which active steps are continuing on the reference date shall be reported.
'Job Vacancies to be filled in immediately’ are job vacancies for full or part-time employment which are to be filled in within a period not longer than three months (starting day of the quarter is considered the first day of the third month of every calendar quarter).
An 'occupied post’ means a paid post within the organisation to which an employee has been assigned.
2.5. Statistical unit
The statistical unit is the enterprise. It should be noted that Job Vacancies for the same 2-digit code of economic activity of all local unts located in the same Regional Unit of an enterprise are collected as aggregates and not seperatelly for each local unit. Job Vacancies of local units in different Regional Units or for different 2-digit codes of economic activity are presented seperatelly.
2.6. Statistical population
The statistical population is the total of enterprises with employment greater than or equal to three (3) individuals and belong to sections B to S of NACE Rev.2.
2.7. Reference area
Greece, total.
2.8. Coverage - Time
There are available data from the 1st quarter 2005 until the 4th quarter 2009 in line with Nace Rev.1.1 and from the 1st quarter 2009 onwards in line with Nace Rev.2.
2.9. Base period
Not applicable.
3.1. Source data
Identification of the source of the data
The survey on Job Vacancies is conducted on a sample designed from the Business Register of ELSTAT. More specifically, for every 2-digit code of economic activity, a number of enterprises is selected.
Class Sizes
Annual average employment
0
3 – 4 persons
1
5 – 9 persons
2
10 – 19 persons
3
20 – 49 persons
4
50 – 99 persons
5
100 – 249 persons
6
250 – 499 persons
7
500 – 999 persons
8
1,000+ persons
Therefore, all the strata covered are those deriving from the combinations of the 2-digit code of economic activity with the class sizes.
Coverage
Geographical
Greece, total.
NACE
All sections B to S of economic activities of Nace Rev.2 are covered.
Specifically:
For the years 2005-2009 the data were compiled in accordance with Nace Rev. 1.1, covering sections C-K.
From 2010 onwards the survey is conducted in line with Nace Rev.2
As regards occupation, all occupations are covered, excluding employees in primary sector described as “Skilled agricultural, forestry and fishery workers” in group 6 of ISCO 08.
Specifically:
For the years 2005-2010 the data were compiled in accordance with ISCO 88
From 2011 onwards the survey is conducted in line with ISCO 08.
Enterprise size
Enterprises with employment greater than or equal to three (3) individuals
Definition of the statistical unit
The statistical unit is the enterprise employing at least three (3) individuals and belongs to sections B to S of NACE Rev.2.
Remarks
Sampling design
Base used for the sample
The base of designing the survey is the Business Register of ELSTAT.
Sampling design
The survey on Job Vacancies is conducted on a quarterly basis and records the number of Job Vacancies by section of economic activity and occupation.
All sections B-S of economic activities of Nace Rev.2 are covered.
Retention/renewal of sampling units
From 2005-when the survey was conducted for the first time-until 2008, the survey was conducted on a sample of 3,495 enterprises for the 1st, 2nd and 4th quarters. For the sample of the 3rd quarter 1,422 more enterprises were added and therefore the final sample of the 3rd quarter amounted to 4,917 enterprises. The sample was designed in line with Nace Rev. 1.1.
In 2009, the sample was redesigned in order to implement the new Nace Rev.2 and the survey was conducted on a sample of 4,440 enterprises and services for the 1st, 2nd and 4th quarters. For the sample of the 3rd quarter, 978 more enterprises were added and therefore the final sample of the 3rd quarter amounted to 5,418 enterprises. This sample was used until the 2nd quarter of 2013. From the 3rd quarter 2013 up to 4th quarter 2015 was conducted on a sample of 6,774 enterprises and services, the same for all the quarters of 2015.
From the 1st quarter 2016 the survey was conducted on a sample of 7,451 enterprises.
From the 1st quarter 2018 the survey was conducted on a sample of 5,852 enterprises.
From 1st quarter 2023, the sample was redesigned, the new sample amounts to 9,900 enterprises.
From 1st quarter 2024, the sample was redesigned and the new sample amounts to 10,326 enterpises.
Sample size
10,326
Stratification
For every 2-digit code of economic activity, a number of enterprises is selected for every one of the size classes, depicted in the table as above.
Other sources
There is no other source for data collection for Job Vacancies. Efforts are made to gather data from other administrative sources (Social security fund (EFKA) -programme ERGANI), aiming at reducing the administrative burden on the enterprises.
Maintenance agency
Not available
Updating frequency
Not available
Rules for clearance (of outdated information)
Not available
Voluntary/compulsory reporting and sanctions
Not available
Remarks
3.2. Frequency of data collection
Reference dates
The reference dates as follows: 2024Q1: 01 March 2024, 2024Q2:01 June 2024, 2024Q3:01 September 2024,
2024Q4: 01 December 2024.
3.3. Data collection
Brief description of the data collection method(s)
Remarks
The data are collected through a specially designed questionnaire (questionnaire Form 1 and Form 2).
The questionnaire Form 1 is a joint questionnaire used for the Survey on Job Vacancies, on Labour Cost Index (LCI) and on Short Term Indices (STS). The questionnaire Form 2 is used to collect information only for the survey on Job Vacancies and does not include any economic data.
Since the 3rd quarter 2023 the survey is conducted via web questionnaire (CAWI).
The data are collected through a specially designed questionnaire provided to the respondent with a link
The enterprise receives an email informing it of the purpose of the survey, the legal framework and the deadline for submitting the questionnaire.
External survey workers (statistical interviewers) provide telephone support and contact enterprises to remind them of their obligation to complete the questionnaire.
In cases where the enterprise refuses to cooperate with the statistical interviewers, or refuses to respond, or in case there are particularities, an employee form the Labour Section of ELSTAT calls to the enterprise and provide clarifications.
In some cases (due to lack of time) the questionnaire may be delivered in printed format (pdf) and collected by e-mail.
Non-response is addressed through telephone contact with the enterprise and reminders sent by e-mail.
3.4. Data validation
The data are validated by means of series of logical checks. During data processing, the data are checked in order to identify and duly correct any errors. Comparisons are made for every enterprise mostly with the data of previous quarter but also with the data from corresponding quarter of the previous year. Then the number of Job Vacancies is checked per employment stratum and per one-digit code of economic activity. In big change cases are observed, all the enterprises belonging to the same stratum are investigated. Once identified, the errors are further investigated in cooperation with the enterprise in order to confirm if there is in an error or just unusual value.
3.5. Data compilation
Brief description of the weighting method
Weighting dimensions
The data on Job Vacancies are produced at one digit level of sections of Economic Activities. Data are also produced in groups of aggregates of main activities of the economy. These groups are the following: B-E, B-F, B-N, B-S, G-I, G-N, M-N, O-Q, R-S.
3.6. Adjustment
Seasonal adjustment is applicable. The adjustment is implemented from year 2014 onwards.
4.1. Quality assurance
The Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) aims to ensure and further improve the quality of statistics produced and maintain the confidence of users in them. This is achieved through the Quality Policy and Quality Guidelines of ELSTAT, which are posted on the website of ELSTAT and are available at the following links: Quality Policy Quality Guidelines
4.2. Quality management - assessment
The results of the survey on Job Vacancies are reliable and are transmitted to Eurostat where they are assessed and validated.
5.1. Relevance - User Needs
The concepts and definitions of the basic variables used for the compilation of Job Vacancies are laid down in Regulations (EC) No 453/2008, (EC) 1062/2008, and (EC) No 19/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
The Job Vacancies Survey meets national needs and the needs of European users. Generally, the survey provides statistical information necessary to improve the competitiveness and performance of the business community.
Description of the national users and their main needs
Remarks
The main users of the survey on Job Vacancies are international organizations (Eurostat, OECD, European Central Bank (ECB), International Monetary Fund, (IMF)), as well many national authorities, services and institutions (Government, Banks, Universities, Research Institutes, etc). Furthermore, among the users are the press, researchers and the general public. Moreover, the enterprises that have the obligation to fill in the questionnaire are at the same time users of these data. The users request relevant data for drawing policies in order to confront unemployment based on the relevance between supply and demand of labour per section of economic activity.
5.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
Extent to which the needs of national users are satisfied (voluntary)
Remarks
The results of this survey are published in the Library’s Newsletter (published in Greek and in English), which is issued by the Library and the Section of Statistical Dissemination of ELSTAT, drawing information from the user’s questionnaire. This publication presents data on the number of users in relation with other variables, such as response rate to users’ requests, the kind of requested data, as well as the dissemination mode of statistical information. These characteristics are tabulated and are presented in absolute values and percentages.
Pursuant to its annual statistical programme, ΕLSTAT has been conducting since 2010, on a yearly basis, the Users’ Conference, with the participation of representatives of the public and the private sector, academics and research institutes.
The Users’ Conferences offer ELSTAT the opportunity to gather comments and proposals made by users of statistics pertaining to the dissemination of statistical information, access to statistical data and any shortcomings in the produced statistics.
The Users’ Conferences help ELSTAT to draw useful conclusions on the areas of statistical production that need to be improved in order to better fulfill the changing needs of users. Such conclusions are integrated in the annual and short term statistical work programmes of ELSTAT.
The announcement of the Users’ Conference is presented in the web page of ELSTAT via this webiste (User-conference).
5.3. Completeness
Description of missing variables and missing breakdowns of the variables
Report progress on the implementation measures regarding quarterly job vacancies statistics of Regulation (EC) No 453/2008, including :
a detailed plan and timetable for completing implementation.
a summary of the remaining deviations from EU concepts.
No missing variables or breakdowns of the variables
No deviation from EU concepts.
5.3.1. Data completeness - rate
Not applicable.
6.1. Accuracy - overall
The errors that have an impact on accuracy of the results are: (1) sampling errors, (2) non-sampling errors.
Sampling errors are due to the fact that the survey is not conducted on all the enterprises of the target population but on a sample of these enterprises. The sample size ensures high accuracy estimation at the level of Greece total.
Non-sampling errors mostly refer to measurement errors and non-response errors, on account of non-response of the sample enterprises. Any measurement errors during data collection are identified by means of quality checks are duly corrected. As regards non-response errors, all efforts are made for contacting the enterprises that have not responded by phone or by other means of communication, in order to persuade them to cooperate and give the required information.
6.2. Sampling error
The survey on Job Vacancies is a sample survey and therefore sampling errors are observed in the total of estimations at the level of the sections of economic activities.
6.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
The coefficients of variation for the required variables for the year 2023 are presented in Annex ‘CV_Job_vacancies_2024.xlsx’.
Information on variables with non-negligible measurement and processing errors
Information on main sources of (non-negligible) measurement and processing errors and, if available, on methods applied for correction
Estimation bias: An assessment of the non-sampling errors, in terms of the absolute number of vacant posts, for the total number of job vacancies and, where possible, for aggregation level of NACE Rev. 2 specified in Annex 1 to this Regulation and size classes (1-9, 10 + employees).
Remarks
Not available
Not available
Not available
6.3.1. Coverage error
Description of any difference between the reference population and the study population
Description of classification errors
Description of any difference between the reference dates and the reference quarter
Any other relevant information
It is possible that some enterprises included in the Register, although being selected in the sample not to exist during the survey conduct (closed enterprises, enterprises out of scope, e.g., enterprises without employees).
Furthermore, some enterprises may have not been included in the sample because they started operating in a later stage. This resulted in under coverage and underestimation of the produced statistics.
Not applicable
Not applicable
6.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
Not applicable.
6.3.1.2. Common units - proportion
Not applicable.
6.3.2. Measurement error
The structure and the size of the questionnaire make it friendly to respondents. The questions are clearly stated using the appropriate language and terminology, furthermore, the compiled guidelines cover analytically all the survey variables. All the above ensure the fact that the collected questionnaires are complete and correctly filled in, thus eliminating any measurement errors.
Any measurement errors which make take place during data collection, are identified by means of quality checks and are duly corrected.
6.3.3. Non response error
See below.
6.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate
Non - response errors of the enterprises is addressed by sending reminder via email or by calling the enterprises, in order to collect the requested data.
Response rate as regards employment size classes and the total population was satisfactory. In the census strata, where all the population units had been included in the sample, unit response was sometimes quite high, but not 100% for all the combinations of sections and class sizes, on account of non-response of some enterprises. Consequently, some census strata became sampling strata, thus increasing sampling error for the survey characteristics.
The unit non-response rate, expressed as the ratio of the actual number of non-responding enterprises to Number of eligible enterprises of the Job Vacancies Survey for the four quarters of the year 2024 is as follows:
Table: JVS2024 Unit non-response rate
Number of enterprises in the sampling frame
Number of ineligible enterprises*
Number of eligible enterprises
Actual number of responding enterprises
Unit non-response rate
2024Q1
10.326
501
9.825
2.909
70,4%
2024Q2
10.326
558
9.768
2.916
70,1%
2024Q3
10.326
675
9.651
3.230
66,5%
2024Q4
10.326
741
9.585
2.342
75,6%
* Ineligible (out-of-scope) e.g. selected enterprise is not in the target population (without employees),
Other ineligible e.g. no enterprise exists at the selected address or selected enterprise disappeared between the reference information from the sampling frame and the moment of the interview.
putation - rate.
6.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
Not applicable.
6.3.4. Processing error
Once collected, the data are processed in order to compile the data on Job Vacancies.
More specifically, once the data are collected, the following statistical actions take place: codification, logical checks and comparison with other sources of statistical information.
After the completion of all the final checks in order to identify any non-sampling errors, the following steps are taken:
Comparisons of data with the data of the corresponding quarter of the previous year and with the data of the previous quarter,
Quality checks are carried out on the collected data in order to identify any outliers. Any outliers and errors are identified and duly corrected.
6.3.4.1. Imputation - rate
Item imputation rate and methods and, where possible, the effect of imputation on the estimates for the variables transmitted
Not applicable
6.3.5. Model assumption error
If modelling is used, include a description of the models used. Particular emphasis should be given to models for imputation or grossing-up to correct for unit non-response.
No model is used for the compilation of the data on the Job Vacancies.
6.4. Seasonal adjustment
Brief description of seasonal adjustment procedures, in particular with regard to the European Statistical System guidelines on seasonal adjustment which have been endorsed and supported by the SPC.
Seasonal adjustment is applicable and the “DEMETRA” software is used.
The data are not subject to revisions after their publication, since they are final and are not based on estimates. Revisions may take place only if there are changes in methodology or the statistical classifications of the sections of economic activity or occupations and only Eurostat’s decision.
The scheduled revisions are announced via the following link in the website of ELSTAT: Scheduled revisions. In case in which the data of the survey on Job Vacancies are revised, it is announced with a relevant Press Release.
6.6. Data revision - practice
Provide a revision history, including the revisions in the published number of job vacancies and a summary of the reasons for the revisions.
Not applicable
6.6.1. Data revision - average size
Not applicable.
7.1. Timeliness
See below.
7.1.1. Time lag - first result
Information on the time span between the release of data at national level and the reference period of the data.
The data of the survey on Job Vacancies are available 70 days after the end of the reference period.
7.1.2. Time lag - final result
Optional
7.2. Punctuality
The results of the survey are transmitted on time.
Quarter
Transmission Date to Eurostat
2024Q1
10 June 2024 (Deadline: 09 June 2024 - Sunday)
2024Q2
06 September 2024 (Deadline: 08 September 2024)
2024Q3
09 December 2024 (Deadline: 09 December 2024)
2024Q4
11 March 2025 (Deadiline: 11 March 2025)
7.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication
Deadlines for the respondents to reply, also covering recalls and follow-ups
Period of the fieldwork
Period of data processing
Dates of publication of first results
Remarks
2024Q1: 24 May 2024
2024Q2: 19 August 2024
2024Q3: 21 November 2024
2024Q4: 21 February 2025
2024Q1: 1/4 – 24 May 2024
2024Q2: 1/7 – 22 August 2024
2024Q3: 1/10 – 23 November 2024
2024Q4: 1/1 – 23 February 2025
2024Q1: 16/4 – 10 June 2024
2024Q2: 10/7 – 8 September 2024
2024Q3: 10/10 – 9 December 2024
2024Q4: 13/1 – 11 March 2025
2024Q1: 13 June 2024
2024Q2: 12 September 2024
2024Q3: 16 December 2024
2024Q4: 17 March 2025
8.1. Comparability - geographical
Information on differences between national and European concepts, and — to the extent possible — their effects on the estimation.
The collected survey variables are fully in line with the relevant definitions laid down in –Regulation (EC) 453/2008 of the European Parliament and of the European Council, thus ensuring comparability of statistics among the Member States.
8.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient
Not applicable.
8.2. Comparability - over time
Information on changes in definitions, coverage and methods in any two consecutive quarters, and their effects on the estimation.
Remarks
The data on Job Vacancies are comparable over time. The data are available from the 1st quarter of 2005 until the 4th quarter 2010 in accordance with Nace Rev. 1.1. and from the 1st quarter 2009 onwards in accordance with Nace Rev.2. In addition, the data broken down by occupation are available from the 1st quarter 2005 until the 4th quarter 2011 in accordance with ISCO 88 and from the 1st quarter 2012 until the 4th quarter 2019 in line with ISCO 08. The data broken down by occupation are not transmitted to Eurostat.
8.2.1. Length of comparable time series
Not applicable.
8.3. Coherence - cross domain
Comparisons of data on the number of vacant jobs from other relevant sources when available, in total and broken down by NACE at section level when relevant, and reasons if the values differ considerably.
The data of the survey are compared with the data of the Labour Force Survey in terms of employment and unemployment. There is coherence between the employment and unemployment rates of change and the number of job vacancies. It should be noted that the data on Job Vacancies are compiled on the basis of a sample of enterprises, while the Labour Force Survey data from a sample of households.
See the Beveridge curve and the comparison between employees (LFS data) and occupied posts (JVS data)
Within September of every year, ELSTAT publishes a Press Release Calendar which lists the exact dates for the release of the statistics planned for the next year. The press release calendar is disseminated to the press and it is available for free to every interested party. The release calendar is also posted on the website of ELSTAT via the following website (Calendar).
9.2. Dissemination format - Publications
Dissemination scheme, including to whom the results are sent
Periodicity of national publication
References for publications of core results, including those with commentary in the form of text, graphs, maps, etc.
Information on what results, if any, are sent to reporting units included in the sample
The survey results are published on a quarterly basis.
Quarterly
Not available
Not available
9.3. Dissemination format - online database
There is no on-line database concerning the survey on Job Vacancies survey.
9.3.1. Data tables - consultations
Not applicable.
9.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
The results of the survey on Job Vacancies are announced through a Press Release. There are no publications on line database concerning the survey on Job Vacancies. Microdata, if not confidential, are made available to users after submitting request to the Division of Statistical Information and Publications, via the email address data.dissem@statistics.gr. Tabulated data of the survey on Job Vacancies for the years 2005 onwards are available through the digital library of ELSTAT.
9.5. Dissemination format - other
Not applicable.
9.6. Documentation on methodology
The methodology concerning the compilation of data on JVS is laid down in Regulation (EC) No 453/2008 and (EC) 1062/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
9.7. Quality management - documentation
Description of and references for metadata provided
References for core methodological documents relating to the statistics provided
Description of main actions carried out by the national statistical services to inform users about the data
Remarks
The Metadata (SIMS) on Job Vacancies survey is available on the portal of ELSTAT at the website: (Statistics publication).
Not available
Not available
9.7.1. Metadata completeness - rate
Not applicable.
9.7.2. Metadata - consultations
Not applicable.
The questionnaire which is used for the Jobs Vacancies Survey is a joint questionnaire also used for the survey on Labour Cost Indices and the survey on Short-Term Statistics. Therefore, the administrative burden of respondents is significantly reduced for the Jobs Vacancies Survey.
The total time needed for the completion of the questionnaire ranges from 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the enterprise.
Efforts are made to collect the required data from administrative sources e.g. Social security fund (EFKA), in order to reduce the administrative burden of the enterprises.
11.1. Confidentiality - policy
The issues concerning the observance of statistical confidentiality by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) are arranged by articles 7, 8 and 9 of the Law 3832/2010 as in force, by Articles 8, 10 and 11(2) of the Regulation on Statistical Obligations of the agencies of the Hellenic Statistical System and by Articles 10 and 15 of the Regulation on the Operation and Administration of ELSTAT.
More precisely, ELSTAT disseminates the statistics in compliance with the statistical principles of the European Statistics Code of Practice and in particular with the principle of statistical confidentiality.
11.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
Disclosure rules: Brief description of when data have to be deleted for reasons of confidentiality
ELSTAT protects and does not disseminate data it has obtained or it has access to, which enable the direct or indirect identification of the statistical units that have provided them by the disclosure of individual information directly received for statistical purposes or indirectly supplied from administrative or other sources. ELSTAT takes all appropriate preventive measures so as to render impossible the identification of individual statistical units by technical or other means that might reasonably be used by a third party. Statistical data that could potentially enable the identification of the statistical unit are disseminated by ELSTAT if and only if:
these data have been treated, as it is specifically set out in the Regulation on Statistical Obligations of the agencies of the Hellenic Statistical System (ELSS), in such a way that their dissemination does not prejudice statistical confidentiality or
the statistical unit has given its consent, without any reservations, for the disclosure of data.
The confidential data that are transmitted by ELSS agencies to ELSTAT are used exclusively for statistical purposes and the only persons who have the right to have access to these data are the personnel engaged in this task and appointed by an act of the President of ELSTAT.
ELSTAT may grant researchers conducting statistical analyses for scientific purposes access to data that enable the indirect identification of the statistical units concerned. The access is granted provided the following conditions are satisfied:
an appropriate request together with a detailed research proposal in conformity with current scientific standards have been submitted;
the research proposal indicates in sufficient detail the set of data to be accessed, the methods of analyzing them, and the time needed for the research;
a contract specifying the conditions for access, the obligations of the researchers, the measures for respecting the confidentiality of statistical data and the sanctions in case of breach of these obligations has been signed by the individual researcher, by his/her institution, or by the organization commissioning the research, as the case may be, and by ELSTAT.
Issues referring to the observance of statistical confidentiality are examined by the Statistical Confidentiality Committee (SCC) operating in ELSTAT. The responsibilities of this Committee are to make recommendations to the President of ELSTAT on:
the level of detail at which statistical data can be disseminated, so as the identification, either directly or indirectly, of the surveyed statistical unit is not possible;
the anonymization criteria for the microdata provided to users;
the granting to researchers access to confidential data for scientific purposes.
The staff of ELSTAT, under any employment status, as well as the temporary survey workers who are employed for the collection of statistical data in statistical surveys conducted by ELSTAT, who acquire access by any means to confidential data, are bound by the principle of confidentiality and must use these data exclusively for the statistical purposes of ELSTAT. After the termination of their term of office, they are not allowed to use these data for any purpose.
Special remarks
None.
Job Vacancies Statistics (JVS) provide information on the level and structure of labour demand. The country transmits to Eurostat the quarterly data on the number of job vacancies and the number of occupied posts as well as provides the quality report under the JVS framework regulation (EC) No 453/2008 and the two implementing regulations: the implementing regulation (EC) No 19/2009 on the definition of a job vacancy, the reference dates for data collection, data transmission specifications and feasibility studies, as well as the implementing regulation (EC) No 1062/2008 on seasonal adjustment procedures and quality reports.
Not Applicable
A 'job vacancy' is defined as a paid post that is newly created, unoccupied, or about to become vacant:
for which the employer is taking active steps and is prepared to take further steps to find a suitable candidate from outside the enterprise concerned; and
which the employer intends to fill either immediately or within a specific period of time.
‘Active steps to find a suitable candidate’ include:
notifying the job vacancy to the public employment services,
contacting a private employment agency/head hunters,
advertising the vacancy in the media (for example internet, newspapers, magazines),
advertising the vacancy on a public notice board,
approaching, interviewing or selecting possible candidates/potential recruits directly,
approaching employees and/or personal contacts,
using internships.
'Specific period of time’ refers to the maximum time the vacancy is open and intended to be filled. That period shall be unlimited; all vacancies for which active steps are continuing on the reference date shall be reported.
'Job Vacancies to be filled in immediately’ are job vacancies for full or part-time employment which are to be filled in within a period not longer than three months (starting day of the quarter is considered the first day of the third month of every calendar quarter).
An 'occupied post’ means a paid post within the organisation to which an employee has been assigned.
The statistical unit is the enterprise. It should be noted that Job Vacancies for the same 2-digit code of economic activity of all local unts located in the same Regional Unit of an enterprise are collected as aggregates and not seperatelly for each local unit. Job Vacancies of local units in different Regional Units or for different 2-digit codes of economic activity are presented seperatelly.
The statistical population is the total of enterprises with employment greater than or equal to three (3) individuals and belong to sections B to S of NACE Rev.2.
Greece, total.
Not Applicable
The errors that have an impact on accuracy of the results are: (1) sampling errors, (2) non-sampling errors.
Sampling errors are due to the fact that the survey is not conducted on all the enterprises of the target population but on a sample of these enterprises. The sample size ensures high accuracy estimation at the level of Greece total.
Non-sampling errors mostly refer to measurement errors and non-response errors, on account of non-response of the sample enterprises. Any measurement errors during data collection are identified by means of quality checks are duly corrected. As regards non-response errors, all efforts are made for contacting the enterprises that have not responded by phone or by other means of communication, in order to persuade them to cooperate and give the required information.
Not Applicable
Brief description of the weighting method
Weighting dimensions
The data on Job Vacancies are produced at one digit level of sections of Economic Activities. Data are also produced in groups of aggregates of main activities of the economy. These groups are the following: B-E, B-F, B-N, B-S, G-I, G-N, M-N, O-Q, R-S.
Identification of the source of the data
The survey on Job Vacancies is conducted on a sample designed from the Business Register of ELSTAT. More specifically, for every 2-digit code of economic activity, a number of enterprises is selected.
Class Sizes
Annual average employment
0
3 – 4 persons
1
5 – 9 persons
2
10 – 19 persons
3
20 – 49 persons
4
50 – 99 persons
5
100 – 249 persons
6
250 – 499 persons
7
500 – 999 persons
8
1,000+ persons
Therefore, all the strata covered are those deriving from the combinations of the 2-digit code of economic activity with the class sizes.
Coverage
Geographical
Greece, total.
NACE
All sections B to S of economic activities of Nace Rev.2 are covered.
Specifically:
For the years 2005-2009 the data were compiled in accordance with Nace Rev. 1.1, covering sections C-K.
From 2010 onwards the survey is conducted in line with Nace Rev.2
As regards occupation, all occupations are covered, excluding employees in primary sector described as “Skilled agricultural, forestry and fishery workers” in group 6 of ISCO 08.
Specifically:
For the years 2005-2010 the data were compiled in accordance with ISCO 88
From 2011 onwards the survey is conducted in line with ISCO 08.
Enterprise size
Enterprises with employment greater than or equal to three (3) individuals
Definition of the statistical unit
The statistical unit is the enterprise employing at least three (3) individuals and belongs to sections B to S of NACE Rev.2.
Remarks
Sampling design
Base used for the sample
The base of designing the survey is the Business Register of ELSTAT.
Sampling design
The survey on Job Vacancies is conducted on a quarterly basis and records the number of Job Vacancies by section of economic activity and occupation.
All sections B-S of economic activities of Nace Rev.2 are covered.
Retention/renewal of sampling units
From 2005-when the survey was conducted for the first time-until 2008, the survey was conducted on a sample of 3,495 enterprises for the 1st, 2nd and 4th quarters. For the sample of the 3rd quarter 1,422 more enterprises were added and therefore the final sample of the 3rd quarter amounted to 4,917 enterprises. The sample was designed in line with Nace Rev. 1.1.
In 2009, the sample was redesigned in order to implement the new Nace Rev.2 and the survey was conducted on a sample of 4,440 enterprises and services for the 1st, 2nd and 4th quarters. For the sample of the 3rd quarter, 978 more enterprises were added and therefore the final sample of the 3rd quarter amounted to 5,418 enterprises. This sample was used until the 2nd quarter of 2013. From the 3rd quarter 2013 up to 4th quarter 2015 was conducted on a sample of 6,774 enterprises and services, the same for all the quarters of 2015.
From the 1st quarter 2016 the survey was conducted on a sample of 7,451 enterprises.
From the 1st quarter 2018 the survey was conducted on a sample of 5,852 enterprises.
From 1st quarter 2023, the sample was redesigned, the new sample amounts to 9,900 enterprises.
From 1st quarter 2024, the sample was redesigned and the new sample amounts to 10,326 enterpises.
Sample size
10,326
Stratification
For every 2-digit code of economic activity, a number of enterprises is selected for every one of the size classes, depicted in the table as above.
Other sources
There is no other source for data collection for Job Vacancies. Efforts are made to gather data from other administrative sources (Social security fund (EFKA) -programme ERGANI), aiming at reducing the administrative burden on the enterprises.
Maintenance agency
Not available
Updating frequency
Not available
Rules for clearance (of outdated information)
Not available
Voluntary/compulsory reporting and sanctions
Not available
Remarks
Not Applicable
See below.
Information on differences between national and European concepts, and — to the extent possible — their effects on the estimation.
The collected survey variables are fully in line with the relevant definitions laid down in –Regulation (EC) 453/2008 of the European Parliament and of the European Council, thus ensuring comparability of statistics among the Member States.
Information on changes in definitions, coverage and methods in any two consecutive quarters, and their effects on the estimation.
Remarks
The data on Job Vacancies are comparable over time. The data are available from the 1st quarter of 2005 until the 4th quarter 2010 in accordance with Nace Rev. 1.1. and from the 1st quarter 2009 onwards in accordance with Nace Rev.2. In addition, the data broken down by occupation are available from the 1st quarter 2005 until the 4th quarter 2011 in accordance with ISCO 88 and from the 1st quarter 2012 until the 4th quarter 2019 in line with ISCO 08. The data broken down by occupation are not transmitted to Eurostat.
