SCOPE OF CENSUS OCCUPATION DATA

In the 2006 Census, data on occupations were collected from persons aged 15 years and over whose labour force status was classified as employed. Persons were defined as employed if they:

• worked for payment or profit, or as an unpaid helper in a family business, during the week prior to census night, or
• had a job from which they were on leave or otherwise temporarily absent, or
• were on strike or stood down temporarily.

Occupation data were not collected for persons who were unemployed or not in the labour force.

Persons were classified as unemployed if they did not have a job but were actively looking for work and available to start work.

Persons aged 15 years and over who were neither employed nor unemployed were classified as not in the labour force. This included persons who were retired, pensioners and persons engaged solely in home duties.

CENSUS OCCUPATION QUESTIONS

Five questions on the census form (questions 38, 39, 40, 42 and 43 shown below) were used to assist in coding of occupation for the 2006 Census.

Q38. In the main job held last week, what was the person's occupation?

Give full title.

For example: Childcare Aide, Maths Teacher, Pastry Cook, Tanning Machine Operator, Apprentice Toolmaker, Sheep and Wheat Farmer.

For public servants, provide official designation and occupation.

For armed services personnel, provide rank and occupation.

Q39. What are the main tasks that the person usually performs in the occupation reported in Question 38?

Give full details.

For example: looking after children at a day care centre, teaching secondary school students, making cakes and pastries, operating leather tanning machine, learning to make and repair tools and dies, running a sheep and wheat farm.

For managers, provide main activities managed.

Q40. For the main job held last week, what was the employer's business name?

For self-employed persons, write name of business.

For teachers, write name of school.

Q42. Which best describes the industry or business of the employer at the location where the person works?

Mark one box only.

• Manufacturing
• Wholesaling
• Retailing (incl. Take-aways)
• Accommodation
• Pubs, cafes and restaurants
• Road freight transport
• House construction
• Health service
• Community care service
• Other - please specify

Examples of 'other - please specify' are: repairs and maintenance, education, agriculture, finance, telecommunications service.

Q43. What are the main goods produced or main services proved by the employer's business?

Describe as fully as possible, using two words or more.

For example: wheat and sheep, bus charter, health insurance, primary school education, civil engineering consultancy service, house building, steel pipes.