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.
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.
3.1. 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.
4.1. 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.
5.1. 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%.
6.1. 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 2023: 7,550 (5,500-9,600) 2nd quarter 2023: 6,230 (4,450-8,010) 3rd quarter 2023: 6,750 (4,840-8,660) 4th quarter 2023: 4,690 (3,180-6,200)
Sampling error 1st quarter of 2023: 1,050 2nd quarter of 2023: 900 3rd quarter of 2023: 970 4th quarter of 2023: 770
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 applicable.
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 2024 was: 11.2% for the 1st quarter 10.0% for the 2nd quarter 10,5% for the 3rd quarter 9.5% for the 4th quarter
6.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
The item non-response rate for 2024 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 2024.
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 applicable.
7.1. Timeliness
Data was released on average 50 days after the end of the quarter for the reference year of 2024. 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 2024.
7.1.2. Time lag - final result
1st quarter of 2024: 38 days after the end of the quarter.
2nd quarter of 2024: 53 days after the end of the quarter.
3rd quarter of 2024: 72 days after the end of the quarter.
4th quarter of 2024: 35 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
8.1. 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.
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.
9.1. Dissemination format - News release
Statistics Iceland provides quarterly news releases with the results from each quarter:
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
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.
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
The statistical unit is the enterprise (legal entity).
The target population of the survey are all legal entities (enterprises) in Iceland that employ at least one individual.
The whole territory of Iceland.
Not Applicable
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.
Not Applicable
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.
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
Not Applicable
Data was released on average 50 days after the end of the quarter for the reference year of 2024. Release dates are predefined for the ongoing year.
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.
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.
