New weighing method for the Labour Force Survey

The Labour Force Survey (EBB) is a monthly sample survey conducted among approximately 30 thousand people in the Netherlands. Altogether, respondents are approached five times for the EBB. The first interview takes place at the respondent’s home. The subsequent four interviews are conducted over the phone. The entire interview period covers one year.

On Tuesday 18 March 2008, annual figures on unemployment among people with a foreign ethnic background were published in a press release for the first time. These figures were based upon all five EBB interviews. Until now, figures had always been based solely on the first interview. A new weighing method for the EBB makes it possible to use the results of all five interviews.

Results of sample surveys are subject to a margin of error. By taking into account the results of all five EBB surveys, the annual figures are based on far more data and therefore more reliable. It also becomes possible to publish quarterly figures for a limited set of variables.