Job vacancy statistics (jvs)

National Reference Metadata in ESS Standard for Quality Reports Structure (ESQRS)

Compiling agency: Statistics Icelandhttps://www.statice.is


Eurostat metadata
Reference metadata
1. Contact
2. Statistical presentation
3. Statistical processing
4. Quality management
5. Relevance
6. Accuracy and reliability
7. Timeliness and punctuality
8. Coherence and comparability
9. Accessibility and clarity
10. Cost and Burden
11. Confidentiality
12. Comment
Related Metadata
Annexes (including footnotes)
 



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1. Contact Top
1.1. Contact organisation

Statistics Iceland
https://www.statice.is
1.2. Contact organisation unit

Innovation
1.5. Contact mail address

Borgartún 21A, 105 Reykjavík 


2. Statistical presentation Top
2.1. Data description

Job vacancy 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 and the two implementing regulations: the implementing regulation 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 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 the Icelandic economic activity classification ÍSAT 2008, which is the national classification system based on the NACE Rev. 2. Data sent to Eurostat is classified by the NACE rev. 2 - Statistical classification of economic activities in the European Community.
2.3. Coverage - sector

The data covers all the economic activities defined by NACE Rev. 2, except the activities of households as employers and the activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies and defence activities.
2.4. Statistical concepts and definitions

Legal entity: A company or an organization that has legal rights and obligations. 

Employer: The smallest composition of legal entity which has one or more activities in one or more local units. 

Occupied post: counts of employed individuals who had income which corresponds to one hour per week accounted for in the Icelandic tax authority settlement of witholding taxes, including those on maternity leave from work and those with calculated remuneration, during the period covered by the data. 

Employee: Individual that works for an employer on the reference day, whether the individual is in full, half, or temporary job. The number of employees is not converted into the count of full-time equivalents.

Job vacancy: Is defined as a paid post that is newly created, unoccupied, or about to become vacant:

(a) 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

(b) 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 vacancy rate (JVR): Number of job vacancies / (number of occupied posts + number of job vacancies) * 100
2.5. Statistical unit

The statistical unit is the enterprise (legal entity).
2.6. Statistical population

The target population of the survey are all legal entities (enterprises) in Iceland that employ at least one individual.
2.7. Reference area

The whole territory of Iceland.
2.8. Coverage - Time

Data is available from the first quarter of 2019 and onwards.
2.9. Base period

Not applicable.


3. Statistical processing Top
3.1. Source data
Identification of the source of the data

 Job Vacancy Survey
Coverage
- Geographical  The whole country 
- NACE

 Sections A to S
- Enterprise size  1+ employees
Definition of the statistical unit  The statistical unit is the enterprise (legal entity)
Remarks  None
Sampling design
Base used for the sample  Icelandic buisness register
Sampling design

The sampling frame relies on the Icelandic buisness register and consists of all enterprises which had more than one employee working for them on average during each month of the previous calendar year of data collection and were still active when the sample was selected. The sample is chosen with a stratified random sampling of social security numbers from Statistics Iceland buisness register. 

Before selecting the sample, the enterprises are classified in four size categories (9 or fewer employees; 10-49 employees; 50-249 employees; 250 or more employees) and ten ÍSAT2008 economic activity categories ([A], [B, C, D, E], [F], [G, H, I], [J], [K], [L], [M, N], [O, P, Q], [R, S]). ÍSAT2008 is an Icelandic classification system of economic activity, based on NACE Rev. 2. The next step involves giving enterprises sampling probabilites. Enterprises in the largest size category (250 or more employees) get the sampling probability of 1 and the probabilites get smaller as the enterprises get smaller. 
Retention/renewal of sampling units  A new sample of medium, small and micro legal entities is selected each year, while the larger ones are always a part of the sample.
Sample size  Approximately 600 enterprises
Stratification  See above.
Other sources
Maintenance agency  
Updating frequency  
Rules for clearance (of outdated information)  
Voluntary/compulsory reporting and sanctions  
Remarks  
3.2. Frequency of data collection
Reference dates
 The Job Vacancy Survey is conducted quarterly with a reference date in the middle of the second month of the quarter: 15/02 (first quarter), 15/05 (second quarter), 15/08 (third quarter) and 15/11 (fourth quarter).
3.3. Data collection
Brief description of the data collection method(s) Remarks
 The Job Vacancy Survey is implemented as a web survey using Blaise5. The data is collected quarterly, with each quarter having their own set day for reference. The data collection for each quarter usually spans a 7 week period, however the 1st quarter has to be a bit longer to make up for reliance on the postal service for the first contact. After the 1st quarter, respondents are mainly contacted through email.   
3.4. Data validation

In the data collection process, previous answers are checked to ensure internal consistency of each respondent's answer. In the processing stage, both unit and item non-response are checked. When the results have been analyzed they are compared to results from previous quarters to ensure quality. 
3.5. Data compilation
Brief description of the weighting method Weighting dimensions
 Answers are weighted by their sample probabilities based on the size of the enterprises and economic sector to adjust the sample to the population.  
3.6. Adjustment

The Icelandic JVS started quarterly data collection in the first quarter of 2019. Therefore seasonal adjustment on the data has not yet started.


4. Quality management Top
4.1. Quality assurance

Statistics Iceland follows the principles in the Code of Practice for European Statistics (CoP) and uses the Quality Assurance Framework of the European Statistical System (QAF) for the implementation of the principles. Furthermore Statistics Iceland is certified with regards to ISO27001.
4.2. Quality management - assessment

Data collection started in the first quarter of 2019, formal quality assessment has not been performed for the Icelandic JVS.


5. Relevance Top
5.1. Relevance - User Needs
Description of the national users and their main needs Remarks
 

Main users are social partners, ministries, institutions, media and the public.
 
5.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
Extent to which the needs of national users are satisfied (voluntary) Remarks
 Not applicable.   
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
 All relevant statistics are available.  
5.3.1. Data completeness - rate

100%


6. Accuracy and reliability Top
6.1. Accuracy - overall

The Job Vacancy Survey is a sample survey which inevitably involves uncertainty, which increases with more breakdown of the data. To counteract this uncertainty, participant answers are weighted by their sample probabilities based on the size and economic activity of legal entities to adjust the sample to the population.
6.2. Sampling error

Data is collected using a stratified random sample of all legal entities that had more than one employee working for them on average during each month of the calendar year. Stratified random sampling is used to minimize sampling error and ensures that each subgroup within the population receives proper representation within the sample. Nevertheless, some uncertainty can always be expected when using sample surveys since the sample can never be an exact replica of the population. This uncertainty increases with more breakdown of the data. To inform users of this uncertainty, 95% confidence intervals are published in the quarterly news releases.  
6.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
Coefficient of variation (taking into account the sampling design) or estimated sampling error for the number of job vacancies (see guidelines).

95% Confidence intervals (in brackets) of number of vacant job positions:
1st quarter 2022: 6,440 (4,880-8,000)
2nd quarter 2022: 12,240 (9,280-15,200)
3rd quarter 2022:  8,790 (7,150-10,440)
4th quarter 2022:  6,220 (4,990-7,450)

Coefficient of variation (Standard error/Number of vacant job positions)
1st quarter of 2022:  12.3
2nd quarter of 2022: 12.3
3rd quarter of 2022: 9.6                   
4th quarter of 2022: 9.9                   
6.3. Non-sampling error
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 applicable  Not applicable  Not applicable   
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
 Not applicable  Not applicable  Not applicable  
6.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate

Not available.
6.3.1.2. Common units - proportion

The number of vacant jobs is obtained from the survey and the number of occupied jobs is obtained from register data.
6.3.2. Measurement error

Like with all data collected from a sample of the population, measurement errors can cause bias in estimates. The main sources of measurement errors that could be found in the JVS are errors that stem from the questionnaire used and mistakes in the data processing. Errors due to the questionnaire used can arise from the questionnaire design and question wordings for example. To minimize possible effects from the questionnaire, all possible question-wording effects were kept in mind when the items were written and all concepts that the questionnaire is intended to measure were clear. The questionnaire was also pre-tested before it was put in use. Respondents can contact Statistics Iceland with questions regarding the questionnaire if problems with interpretation arise. Errors in the data processing are minimized by using the statistical software R studio, where the history of all changes to the data processing script is available. That way, it is easy to backtrack all results if issues are found.
6.3.3. Non response error

The non-response rate in the Job Vacancy survey is really low as legal entities have legal obligations to return the requested data to Statistics Iceland.
6.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate
Unit response rate

The unit non-response rate for 2022 was:  
8.0% for the 1st quarter
1.6% for the 2nd quarter
0.9% for the 3rd quarter
0.4% for the 4th quarter 
6.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate

The item non-response rate for 2022 was 0 for all quarters.
6.3.4. Processing error

Not applicable.
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
 

No imputation was performed on the results from 2022.
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.
 Not applicable. 
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.
 Not applicable.
6.5. Data revision - policy

Statistics Iceland revision policy can be found in the following link: Revision policy
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.
Number of vacant jobs
The population numbers for the weights to calculate number of occupied jobs are fixed when one year has passed from the reference year. Until then, a little fluctuation might be seen in the figures due to updated and better information in the business register.

Number of occupied jobs
In the third quarter of 2021, changes were made to the methodology of the Job Vacancy Survey. In order to increase the reliability of information on the number of occupied jobs, the number of employees in the reference quarter is now obtained from the pay-as-you-earn registry, instead of using point estimates from the IS-JVS. At the time of change in the methodology, the whole time series was updated in accordance with the revised method.

The register data of number of occupied jobs is constantly revised and updated. To minimize unnecessary fluctuation and changes in the time-series, figures about occupied jobs are fixed when twelve months have passed from the reference period of the results. Statistics Iceland then intends to revise the figures every three years if any remarkable changes are seen in older figures.
6.6.1. Data revision - average size

Not available.


7. Timeliness and punctuality Top
7.1. Timeliness

Data was released on average 43 days after the end of the quarter for the reference year of 2022. Release dates are predefined for the ongoing year.
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.
 

Only final results were published in 2022. 
7.1.2. Time lag - final result

1st quarter of 2022: 43 days after the end of the quarter.
2nd quarter of 2022: 49 days after the end of the quarter.
3rd quarter of 2022: 41 days after the end of the quarter.
4th quarter of 2022: 39 days after the end of the quarter. 
7.2. Punctuality

See 7.2.1
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

 The deadline is the final day of the reference period

  6-7 weeks  1-2 weeks  5-6 weeks after the reference quarter  


8. Coherence and comparability Top
8.1. Comparability - geographical
Information on differences between national and European concepts, and — to the extent possible — their effects on the estimation.
 Results are only published for the whole country so no geographical comparisson is made between regions in Iceland. The survey is conducted according to the European regulation No 453/2008 and results are therefore comparable to figures from other countries within the European Statistical System.
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
 Methods and processing of data is coordinated over time. In cases where methods are changed, figures for older time-periods are recalculated and users informed. That way, statistics are comparable over time.  
8.2.1. Length of comparable time series

From 1st quarter of 2019.
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 Job Vacancy Survey of Statistics Icelands is the only source of data for job vacancies in the Icelandic labour market. In the third quarter of 2021, changes were made to the methodology of the Job Vacancy Survey analysis. In order to increase the reliability of information on the number of occupied jobs, data is now obtained from register data on the number of employees instead of using point estimates from the study. The same explanation is used for occupied jobs in both sources but the administrative data is thought to be more accurate. 
8.4. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics

Not applicable.
8.5. Coherence - National Accounts

Figures on numbers of occupied jobs from register data and figures on employment from national accounts are largely made up from the same data sources, but national accounts use other data sources as well as different models for calculations, in additoin to the register data. In both cases, numbers of occupied jobs is the average number of employed per month over a given time period, who are paid with a taxable income. In both sources, individuals can have more than one job and therefore occur more than once per month in the calulcations.
8.6. Coherence - internal

Not applicable.


9. Accessibility and clarity Top
9.1. Dissemination format - News release

Statistics Iceland provides quarterly news releases with the results from each quarter: 

News release 1st quarter
News release 2nd quarter
News release 3rd quarter
News release 4th quarter
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
 Dissemination on the web includes tables, graphs and a news release. Results are sent to Eurostat via Edamis.  Quarterly    None
9.3. Dissemination format - online database

The online database with the disseminated data can be accessed through the following link: Vacant positions by quarters and economic activity
9.3.1. Data tables - consultations

Not applicable.
9.4. Dissemination format - microdata access

Access to microdata for scientific purposes can be requested through Statistics Iceland research service.
9.5. Dissemination format - other

Not applicable.
9.6. Documentation on methodology

Documentation on methodology and sources used in preparing statistics for the Job Vacancy survey is available in Icelandic on Statistics Iceland website.
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
 Not available  http://hagstofan.s3.amazonaws.com/media/public/2021/5042add5-8cf8-4afc-893f-585c256d9bc1.pdf  Not available  
9.7.1. Metadata completeness - rate

Not applicable.
9.7.2. Metadata - consultations

Not applicable.


10. Cost and Burden Top

The web questionnare for the Icelandic Job Vacancy Survey is very short to minimize the burden on respondents.


11. Confidentiality Top
11.1. Confidentiality - policy

Statistics Iceland operates according to laws about Statistics Iceland and official statistics. Statistics Iceland operations are also consistent with the consent of the United Nations about the fundamental principles of official statistics and main principles in statistics. Statistics Iceland employees maintain confidentiality following laws on the rights and responsibilities of government employees. Furthermore, Statistics Iceland has its own rules of procedure for treating confidential data. At last, Statistics Iceland participates in the cooperation of states within the European Economic area of statistics and follows EU regulation of European statistics.

All information that Statistics Iceland collects for statistics and has to do with individuals or legal entities is treated as confidential data. Measures are taken when statistics are published and disseminated to prevent tracking information back to individuals or legal entities. Statistics Iceland has a certified operating system of information security, consistent with ISO/IEC27001 which covers all Statistics Iceland's activity. Only those specialists that are working on specific research have access to the data needed and are bound by a confidentiality agreement. Statistics Iceland emphasized that all treatment of confidential data is consistent with the provision of laws nr. 90/2018 about the privacy and processing of confidential data.
11.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
Disclosure rules: Brief description of when data have to be deleted for reasons of confidentiality
 Statistics Iceland’s rules of procedure for treating confidential data is available on the website.


12. Comment Top
Special remarks
 No comment.


Related metadata Top


Annexes Top