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.
National Reference Metadata in ESS Standard for Quality Reports Structure (ESQRS)
Compiling agency: Gabinete de Estratégia e Planeamento (GEP), Ministério do Trabalho, Solidariedade e Segurança Social (Office for Strategy and Planning, Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security)
Gabinete de Estratégia e Planeamento (GEP), Ministério do Trabalho, Solidariedade e Segurança Social (Office for Strategy and Planning, Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security)
1.2. Contact organisation unit
Equipa Multidisciplinar de Produção Estatística através de Inquéritos e Estimativas (EPEIE)
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
All economic activities defined by NACE Rev. 2, from sections B to S with the exception of classes 94.91 (activities of religious organizations) and 94.92 (activities of political organizations).
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 being taken 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
Local unit.
2.6. Statistical population
Local units with one or more employees.
2.7. Reference area
The whole country (including the regions of Azores and Madeira).
2.8. Coverage - Time
From 2008 (aggregated NACE sections B-S from 2001).
2.9. Base period
Not applicable.
3.1. Source data
Identification of the source of the data
Data of the private sector, covering the activities of sections B to N and P to S of NACE rev2, with the exception of classes 94.91 and 94.92, are obtained through the Job Vacancy Survey.
Data of the public sector comprising mainly sections O, P and Q of NACE rev.2, are obtained from two administrative sources:
For occupied posts the source is a database known as 'Information System of State Organization' (SIOE) managed by the Directorate-General of Administration and Public Employment (DGAEP).
For vacant posts the source is a database known as 'Public Employment Pool' (BEP) managed by the Directorate-General for the Qualification of Public Employees (INA).
Coverage
Geographical
The whole country (including the regions of Azores and Madeira)
NACE
Sections B to S
Enterprise size
Establishments with at least one employee
Definition of the statistical unit
The establishment or the local unit is an enterprise or part of an enterprise (factory, shop, warehouse, workshop, office, etc.), which engages in one or predominantly one kind of economic activity at or from a geographically identified location in which one or more persons work under the control of the same enterprise.
Remarks
Sampling design
Base used for the sample
The sample used in JVS includes local units or establishments from the private sector, namely of sections B to N and P to S, with the exception of class 94.91 (activities of religious organizations) and class 94.92 (activities of political organizations) of NACE rev.2.
The sampling frame is based on a Register of Enterprises and Establishments with at least one employee. This Register is obtained and comprehensibly updated once a year from a statistical survey known as 'Relatorio Unico – Quadro de Pessoal-Anexo A'.
Reply to this statistical survey is mandatory, for reasons of inspection and enforcement of national labour legislation, for enterprises and other entities with employees covered by social security regimes other than the civil servants and military regimes. The Register of Establishments is also updated regularly with the feedbacks from other economic surveys and information transmitted by the enterprises.
Sampling design
The sample is stratified by economic activity at section level of NACE rev.2, NUTS at level 2 and size class of local units. The sample selection within strata is made using a systematic sample with random start without replacement.
Retention/renewal of sampling units
Renewals of sampling units are made every quarter based on the results of the survey. A sampling unit is replaced when the local unit has ceased activity, or has no employees, or does not reply to the survey for 3 consecutive quarters (local units with less than 250 employees).
Sample size
The sample consists of approximately 15 256 local units.
Stratification
Stratification is done by NUTS at level 2, section of activity according to NACE rev.2 (sections B to S) and class sizes (1-4, 5-9, 10 – 19, 20-49, 50-99, 100-249, 250-499 and 500 or more employees). Coverage of local units with 250 or more employees is comprehensive.
Other sources
Maintenance agency
Not applicable
Updating frequency
The sampling frame is updated every five years. As for units with 250 or more employees , the coverage is full and therefore these units remain in the sample unless they have ceased activity.
Rules for clearance (of outdated information)
Not applicable
Voluntary/compulsory reporting and sanctions
The reply to the survey is compulsory, however no sanctions have been applied yet.
The reference date of each survey is the last day of the reference quarter.
3.3. Data collection
Brief description of the data collection method(s)
Remarks
Data from the survey is collected through a web questionnaire incorporating already alert checks of coherence between variables such as the number of occupied posts, the total number of vacancies and vacancies by professional groups. Upon electronic transmission of data to our office, additional coherence checks are repeated and companies are contacted by email or phone in order to clarify remaining questions (outliers).
3.4. Data validation
Not applicable.
3.5. Data compilation
Brief description of the weighting method
Weighting dimensions
The estimator used to obtain the results of the survey is the separated ratio estimator, taking the number of employees in the local unit provided by the Establishment Register as the auxiliary variable.
The estimator of the population total for the item X in stratum h (NUT II, NACE, size group), is given by :
where:
Nh - the population size in stratum h
mh - the total of responding units in stratum h
xhl - the value obtained for the item X in the lth sample unit, l=1,…,mh
whl - weight related to the local unit l of stratum h,
whl = Ph/ph, l =1, ..., mh
Ph- total number of employees in the local units of population in stratum h
ph- total number of employees in the responding local units in stratum h
Weighting Dimensions
The sampling weights are assigned at the region NUTS level 2, NACE rev.2 section and size class levels.
See first column.
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
Statistics Portugal (INE) is the main national user. Data supplied to INE are quarterly numbers and rates of job vacancies broken down by sections of NACE rev.2 and occupations according to Portugal Classification of Occupations 2010, equivalent to ISCO 08, at 1 digit level.
5.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
Extent to which the needs of national users are satisfied (voluntary)
Remarks
Job vacancy statistics fulfill information needs of INE.
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
There are no missing variables, job vacancy data cover sections B to S of NACE rev.2 and local units with at least one employee.
Not applicable.
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
Coefficient of variation (taking into account the sampling design) or estimated sampling error for the number of job vacancies (see guidelines).
Coefficients of variation for the number of Job Vacancies are calculated taking into account the sample design.
To calculate the CV we use the IBM SPSS version 25 software, Complex Sample Analysis Module.
Adjustments for item non-response are not done because item non-response is not allowed.
Identification of potential outliers is part of data validation routine. Among these potential outliers, the respondents are contacted to distinguish those that are correct and kept unmodified, from the wrong values that are corrected.
When outliers are detected, we try to know the reason for that extreme value and the weight for the number of job vacancies is set equal to 1. The weights of other observations in the stratum are recalculated.
The coefficients of variation of the total number of job vacancies show figures varying from 3.0% to 3.7% for the total. The coefficients of variation of the number of job vacancies for a large part of the NACE sections and size classes are relatively high. This is due to the fact that only 19,2% of the responding units indicated that they have job vacancies (80,8% of the LU had 0 vacancies), which implies a huge variation between the numbers of job vacancies in each stratum.
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
No significant measurement and processing errors are known.
The variables surveyed for the purpose of the EU JVS are 2, the number of job vacancies and the number of occupied posts. Data are collected through a web questionnaire, incorporating already the possible alert checks of coherence between these 2 variables as well as the number of persons employed. Upon electronic transmission of the survey data, the checks are repeated and the surveyed unit is contacted by e-mail or by phone to clarify any remaining question (outliers, etc)
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
The source of information for the reference population is the Register of Establishments which comprises all establishments with employees in the country. Once a year, all active establishments must provide information to a statistical project (Relatorio Unico). The information provided is also used as a source for the updating of the Register of Establishments. However, differences may occur between the reference population and the study population because during the year mediating the annual reply to 'Relatorio Unico', establishments registered as economically active may have in fact ceased activity and may not communicate this fact to the statistical office.
Since our Register of Establishments is comprehensibly updated at least once a year based on the informations provided to the statistical operation 'Relatório Único', classification errors are minimized.
There are no differences between the reference dates and the reference quarters in all sources of information on Job Vacancies.
None
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 average non-response rate in the year 2024 was 28,7%.
The unit response rates corresponding to the ratios of the number of in-scope respondents to the total number of sampling units are in the attached table.
Item imputation rate and methods and, where possible, the effect of imputation on the estimates for the variables transmitted
Imputation rate is 0%.
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 procedures were implemented with JDemetra+ software, version 2.2.2 and applying Tramo/Seats method and the direct method. The seasonality analysis was carried out for both the series of the number of job vacancies and of occupied posts from 2010Q1 to 2024Q4.
In the seasonal adjustment the guidelines of the European Statistical System were taken into account. Extensive use of quality measures was made both in the identification of the models and in the validation of results.
Seasonality is not significant in most of the series.
Provide a revision history, including the revisions in the published number of job vacancies and a summary of the reasons for the revisions.
Revisions may occur when there are errors or when data changes are needed due to other reasons.
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.
Results sent to Eurostat are final, therefore the time span for the release of data at national level is in average 85 days after the reference period.
7.1.2. Time lag - final result
Not applicable.
7.2. Punctuality
In 2024 data have been transmitted on time, up to 70 days after the reference period.
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 IT application for data collection is online from the 1st working day after the reference period (the last day of the reference quarter).
Altogether time span for respondents to reply, including reminders and follow ups is approximately 43 days.
Data processing lasts for around 20 days.
First results are sent to Eurostat within 70 days after the reference period. The deadline for the release of results in our office website is 85 days after the reference period.
Punctuality of the publication of data is satisfactory
8.1. Comparability - geographical
Information on differences between national and European concepts, and — to the extent possible — their effects on the estimation.
There are no differences between the national and european concepts.
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
There are two sets of comparable time series:
From the 1st quarter of 2010 to the 4th quarter of 2012.
From the 1st quarter of 2013 onwards. The break in the series was due to the updating of the sampling frame.
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 Institute of Employment and Vocational Training is another public entity in Portugal that provides data on job offers in the Public Employment Centres. This information is related with job offers from enterprises that seek candidates through employment centres (see file "JVS and Job Offers").
Job vacancy statistics (JVS) provided by our office are based on a mandatory survey covering the private sector and on administrative data concerning the public sector.
In addition, there are methodological and definition differences between the two sources on the number of vacant jobs.
The name of the document is: Documento Metodologico, 578 - Inquérito Trimestral aos Empregos Vagos. Version: 2.0
All JVS publications provide in the last pages explanations on methodological issues as well as definitions of the main concepts and variables for a better understanding of the data.
9.7.1. Metadata completeness - rate
Not applicable.
9.7.2. Metadata - consultations
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
11.1. Confidentiality - policy
Compliance with the European Statistics Code of Practice.
11.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
Disclosure rules: Brief description of when data have to be deleted for reasons of confidentiality
Data treatment for confidentiality reasons has not been applied because the levels of aggregation of results released by sections of NACE rev.2. do not require it.
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 being taken on the reference date shall be reported.
An 'occupied post’ means a paid post within the organisation to which an employee has been assigned.
Local unit.
Local units with one or more employees.
The whole country (including the regions of Azores and Madeira).
Not Applicable
Not applicable.
Not Applicable
Brief description of the weighting method
Weighting dimensions
The estimator used to obtain the results of the survey is the separated ratio estimator, taking the number of employees in the local unit provided by the Establishment Register as the auxiliary variable.
The estimator of the population total for the item X in stratum h (NUT II, NACE, size group), is given by :
where:
Nh - the population size in stratum h
mh - the total of responding units in stratum h
xhl - the value obtained for the item X in the lth sample unit, l=1,…,mh
whl - weight related to the local unit l of stratum h,
whl = Ph/ph, l =1, ..., mh
Ph- total number of employees in the local units of population in stratum h
ph- total number of employees in the responding local units in stratum h
Weighting Dimensions
The sampling weights are assigned at the region NUTS level 2, NACE rev.2 section and size class levels.
See first column.
Identification of the source of the data
Data of the private sector, covering the activities of sections B to N and P to S of NACE rev2, with the exception of classes 94.91 and 94.92, are obtained through the Job Vacancy Survey.
Data of the public sector comprising mainly sections O, P and Q of NACE rev.2, are obtained from two administrative sources:
For occupied posts the source is a database known as 'Information System of State Organization' (SIOE) managed by the Directorate-General of Administration and Public Employment (DGAEP).
For vacant posts the source is a database known as 'Public Employment Pool' (BEP) managed by the Directorate-General for the Qualification of Public Employees (INA).
Coverage
Geographical
The whole country (including the regions of Azores and Madeira)
NACE
Sections B to S
Enterprise size
Establishments with at least one employee
Definition of the statistical unit
The establishment or the local unit is an enterprise or part of an enterprise (factory, shop, warehouse, workshop, office, etc.), which engages in one or predominantly one kind of economic activity at or from a geographically identified location in which one or more persons work under the control of the same enterprise.
Remarks
Sampling design
Base used for the sample
The sample used in JVS includes local units or establishments from the private sector, namely of sections B to N and P to S, with the exception of class 94.91 (activities of religious organizations) and class 94.92 (activities of political organizations) of NACE rev.2.
The sampling frame is based on a Register of Enterprises and Establishments with at least one employee. This Register is obtained and comprehensibly updated once a year from a statistical survey known as 'Relatorio Unico – Quadro de Pessoal-Anexo A'.
Reply to this statistical survey is mandatory, for reasons of inspection and enforcement of national labour legislation, for enterprises and other entities with employees covered by social security regimes other than the civil servants and military regimes. The Register of Establishments is also updated regularly with the feedbacks from other economic surveys and information transmitted by the enterprises.
Sampling design
The sample is stratified by economic activity at section level of NACE rev.2, NUTS at level 2 and size class of local units. The sample selection within strata is made using a systematic sample with random start without replacement.
Retention/renewal of sampling units
Renewals of sampling units are made every quarter based on the results of the survey. A sampling unit is replaced when the local unit has ceased activity, or has no employees, or does not reply to the survey for 3 consecutive quarters (local units with less than 250 employees).
Sample size
The sample consists of approximately 15 256 local units.
Stratification
Stratification is done by NUTS at level 2, section of activity according to NACE rev.2 (sections B to S) and class sizes (1-4, 5-9, 10 – 19, 20-49, 50-99, 100-249, 250-499 and 500 or more employees). Coverage of local units with 250 or more employees is comprehensive.
Other sources
Maintenance agency
Not applicable
Updating frequency
The sampling frame is updated every five years. As for units with 250 or more employees , the coverage is full and therefore these units remain in the sample unless they have ceased activity.
Rules for clearance (of outdated information)
Not applicable
Voluntary/compulsory reporting and sanctions
The reply to the survey is compulsory, however no sanctions have been applied yet.
