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 NACE Rev. 2 - Statistical classification of economic activities in the European Community.
Classification of territorial units for statistics (NUTS).
2.3. Coverage - sector
The data cover all the economic activities defined by NACE Rev. 2, except the activities of households as employers and the activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies.
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.
An 'occupied post’ means a paid post within the organisation to which an employee has been assigned.
2.5. Statistical unit
An enterprise.
2.6. Statistical population
Statistical population – enterprises, irrespective of ownership form, whose engaged in economic activities from A to S (according EVRK Rev. 2), and on whom 1 and more employees are working.
2.7. Reference area
The whole economic territory of the country, regions.
2.8. Coverage - Time
From 2008Q1 (NACE B-S aggregation: from 2004Q1).
2.9. Base period
Not applicable.
3.1. Source data
Identification of the source of the data
Quarterly job vacancies statistics are prepared using data from a Quarterly Survey on Earnings (statistical questionnaire DA-01 – number of job vacancies), administrative data sources (State Social Insurance Fund Board (Sodra) – number of occupied posts).
Coverage
- Geographical
The whole country is covered.
- NACE
NACE Rev. 2, section level (A–S).
- Enterprise size
1 or more employees; 10 or more employees.
Definition of the statistical unit
The statistical unit is an enterprise.
Remarks
The Quarterly Survey on Earnings does not cover individual enterprises; therefore, job vacancies in individual enterprises are estimated on the basis of administrative sources (Sodra) and the results of the Quarterly Survey on Earnings.
Sampling design
Base used for the sample
The sampling frame is based on the data from the Statistical Register of Legal Entities.
Sampling design
A simple random stratified sample is used.
Retention/renewal of sampling units
Not applicable
Sample size
In 2023, the sample size equalled 7 160 units (8.4 per cent of population). More information see in Annex 'JVS sample size 2023' below.
Stratification
A simple random stratified sample is used in the Quarterly Survey on Earnings. The population of enterprises of each economic activity and ownership form is stratified by the number of employees. The number of strata in each economic activity and ownership form equals 6 (size class of enterprises by the number of employees: 1–9, 10–49, 50–99, 100–249, 250–499, 500 and more). A simple random sample is selected in each stratum.
Other sources
Maintenance agency
Not applicable
Updating frequency
Not applicable
Rules for clearance (of outdated information)
Not applicable
Voluntary/compulsory reporting and sanctions
If an enterprise does not respond to a questionnaire, a reminder is sent. Later, a warning is sent. At the latest stage, an administrative violation record is drawn.
Job vacancies – the last working day of the reference quarter; occupied posts – quarterly average.
3.3. Data collection
Brief description of the data collection method(s)
Statistical data are collected using electronic statistical data preparation and transfer system E StatistikaData about job vacancies are collected with the quarterly statistical questionnaire DA-01. The Questionnaire DA-01 (only in Lithuanian) is published at Estatistika stat gov - Ataskaitu formos. The questionnaire includes instructions and controls. Reminder letters are sent to the enterprises which have not returned the questionnaire by the required deadline.
Total number of occupied posts is derived directly from administrative source (Sodra) as definition is the same (the number of employees).
Data of Sodra are obtained monthly from the Sodra database, data are transferred to the data storage of Statistics Lithuania. Data for the reporting quarter are selected from the Sodra database by type of social security contributor. Only companies belonging to the population in the Sodra database are taken into account for the calculations.
Quality of administrative data is ensured by searching for different or missing values and analysing the results obtained.
3.4. Data validation
Not applicable.
3.5. Data compilation
Brief description of the weighting method
Horvitz-Thompson estimator is applied.
The weights wh are calculated within stratum h using the following formula:
wh = Nh /nh
– Nh the size of the stratum (number of enterprises in the stratum h);
– nh sample size in the stratum h.
The weights wh are corrected taking into account the number of non-responding units in the stratum. Two types of non-response are observed – legitimate and illegitimate. The weight w'h is substituted by the weight wh if illegitimate non-response takes place in the stratum h:
w'h = Nh / (nh - nh(i))
where nh(i) is the number of illegitimate non-responding enterprises in the stratum h.
3.6. Adjustment
Not applicable.
4.1. Quality assurance
Not applicable.
4.2. Quality management - assessment
Not applicable.
5.1. Relevance - User Needs
Description of the national users and their main needs
Remarks
The main users of job vacancies statistics are state and municipal authorities and agencies, the media, representatives of business and science, students and European institutions. Job vacancies statistics are required when taking decisions related to structural employment indicators and as a reference source to get a more reliable assessment of the situation on the labour market. The information is also necessary when assessing the labour supply and demand and identifying the weakness of the labour market.
5.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
Extent to which the needs of national users are satisfied (voluntary)
Remarks
No information about users satisfaction.
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
None
The content, periodicity, level of detail, methods and timing of compilation of the indicator are fully compliant with the requirements of the EU legislation governing the production of this indicator.
5.3.1. Data completeness - rate
Not applicable.
6.1. Accuracy - overall
Not applicable.
6.2. Sampling error
See below.
6.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
The coefficient of variation has been chosen as a measure of reliability of estimates. The coefficient of variation of the total of the Horvitz–Thompson estimator is equal to:
where
– = the total of the Horvitz–Thompson estimator for variable y;
– Nh = population size in the stratum h;
– nh = sample size in the stratum h;
– ,
where yhk is the value of variable y for k-th element from the stratum h.
The coefficient of variation of estimates of job vacancies broken down by economic activity is presented in the Annex, 'Precision 2023'.
The number of occupied posts is derived directly from administrative sources as definitions are the same. The coefficient of variation of number of occupied posts is not calculated.
Coefficient of variation (taking into account the sampling design) or estimated sampling error for the number of job vacancies (see guidelines).
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
Statistical data are collected using electronic statistical data preparation and transfer system e.Statistika. Respondents were contacted in order to explain or correct information. Errors not related to the sample do not have a significant effect on the results.
Data collection and editing in the Quarterly Survey on Earnings was made at the Data Preparation Division where the first logical control was accomplished. The second control of data was accomplished at the Labour Statistics Division. The enterprises were re-contacted by phone and the required corrections were made in the primary database in cases when errors occurred. It was supposed that after the corrections no measurement errors were left. Consultations by e-mail were chosen as the main method for reducing the measurement errors.
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
Coverage errors are not calculated. The frame is based on the Statistical Register of Economic Entities. This Register is maintained and updated on a regular basis with data from various statistical surveys and administrative data sources. The frame is fixed for one year. The quality of this Register is quite high and coverage errors are supposed to be minor.
Not requested
Not requested
Not requested
6.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
Not applicable.
6.3.1.2. Common units - proportion
Not applicable.
6.3.2. Measurement error
[see 6.3. non-sampling error]
6.3.3. Non response error
See below.
6.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate
Unit response rate
The unit non-response rate is presented in the Annex 'Unit non-response rate by economic activity 2023'.
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.
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.
Seasonal adjustment for the JVS is made according to the ESS guidelines on seasonal adjustment. The Tramo-Seats method in Demetra+ (version 2.2.2.) is used for seasonal adjustment.
Seasonal adjustment models and parameters are revised and fixed for one year when the data of Q4 are available. Seasonally adjusted data are recalculated.
Model parameters are fixed for the current year. For the next three quarters, the procedure of adjustment is as follows. Every quarter we evaluate SA adjusted data using fixed model parameters. In some cases, concurrent versus current adjustment is performed to make sure the model is good. The model, outliers, parameters and factors are re-estimated and compared with the current adjustment. An indirect method is used for the seasonal adjustment.
Models are chosen using a detailed analysis module. Logarithm transformation is tested. Seasonal and calendar factors are estimated, 2 regressors (working days and weekend days) are used, outliers are detected and corrected, the Lithuanian national holiday calendar is used. The components of the model are analysed by economic sense.
Traditional statistical methods are used for the validation of the models. Diagnostic statistics are used to control the quality of seasonal adjustment. The significance levels, the number of outliers and statistics on residuals (residual seasonality, normality, residual asymmetry, etc.) in data series are controlled.
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.
Job vacancies and occupied posts data should be transmitted to Eurostat within 70 days after the end of the reference quarter. Job vacancies and occupied posts data in 2023 were transmitted to Eurostat on time. The terms of transmission of these data to Eurostat are presented in the table below.
Year
Quarter
Planned data transmission according to the Regulation
Actual data transmission
Delay
2023
1Q
10 June 2023
26 May 2023
–
2Q
09 September 2023
24 August 2023
–
3Q
09 December 2023
23 November 2023
–
4Q
11 March 2024
23 February 2024
–
7.1.2. Time lag - final result
Not applicable.
7.2. Punctuality
See below.
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 respondents should reply not later than on the 18th calendar day after the end of the reference quarter.
1–18 days after the end of the reference quarter.
18–45 days after the end of the reference quarter.
The first publication of results – within 52–56 days after the end of 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.
No differences between national and European concepts observed.
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
Job vacancy statistics are comparable since 2008Q1 (NACE B-S aggregation: from 2004Q1)
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 comparison between the JVS occupied posts and the LFS number of employees together with the Beveridge curve are in the attached file. The differences in the two datasets (JVS and LFS) are due to the different methodologies used to produce the data.
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.
An 'occupied post’ means a paid post within the organisation to which an employee has been assigned.
An enterprise.
Statistical population – enterprises, irrespective of ownership form, whose engaged in economic activities from A to S (according EVRK Rev. 2), and on whom 1 and more employees are working.
The whole economic territory of the country, regions.
Not Applicable
Not applicable.
Not Applicable
Brief description of the weighting method
Horvitz-Thompson estimator is applied.
The weights wh are calculated within stratum h using the following formula:
wh = Nh /nh
– Nh the size of the stratum (number of enterprises in the stratum h);
– nh sample size in the stratum h.
The weights wh are corrected taking into account the number of non-responding units in the stratum. Two types of non-response are observed – legitimate and illegitimate. The weight w'h is substituted by the weight wh if illegitimate non-response takes place in the stratum h:
w'h = Nh / (nh - nh(i))
where nh(i) is the number of illegitimate non-responding enterprises in the stratum h.
Identification of the source of the data
Quarterly job vacancies statistics are prepared using data from a Quarterly Survey on Earnings (statistical questionnaire DA-01 – number of job vacancies), administrative data sources (State Social Insurance Fund Board (Sodra) – number of occupied posts).
Coverage
- Geographical
The whole country is covered.
- NACE
NACE Rev. 2, section level (A–S).
- Enterprise size
1 or more employees; 10 or more employees.
Definition of the statistical unit
The statistical unit is an enterprise.
Remarks
The Quarterly Survey on Earnings does not cover individual enterprises; therefore, job vacancies in individual enterprises are estimated on the basis of administrative sources (Sodra) and the results of the Quarterly Survey on Earnings.
Sampling design
Base used for the sample
The sampling frame is based on the data from the Statistical Register of Legal Entities.
Sampling design
A simple random stratified sample is used.
Retention/renewal of sampling units
Not applicable
Sample size
In 2023, the sample size equalled 7 160 units (8.4 per cent of population). More information see in Annex 'JVS sample size 2023' below.
Stratification
A simple random stratified sample is used in the Quarterly Survey on Earnings. The population of enterprises of each economic activity and ownership form is stratified by the number of employees. The number of strata in each economic activity and ownership form equals 6 (size class of enterprises by the number of employees: 1–9, 10–49, 50–99, 100–249, 250–499, 500 and more). A simple random sample is selected in each stratum.
Other sources
Maintenance agency
Not applicable
Updating frequency
Not applicable
Rules for clearance (of outdated information)
Not applicable
Voluntary/compulsory reporting and sanctions
If an enterprise does not respond to a questionnaire, a reminder is sent. Later, a warning is sent. At the latest stage, an administrative violation record is drawn.
= the total of the Horvitz–Thompson estimator for variable y;
,