Comparability over time in the microcensus

The results of the infra-annual microcensus from 2005 can be compared only to a limited extent with the annual results of previous microcensuses. The results up to 2004 refer to a fixed reference week in spring. Since 2005, the survey has been conducted continuously throughout the year, so that annual average results are available. With the changeover, the survey method was modified in some points, including an improved coverage of the activity status. In particular, since 2005, the survey has been conducted as a laptop interview everywhere, which permits better standardisation of the interviews. At the same time, the extrapolation method was adjusted to EU requirements by introducing an additional adjustment to key figures by age groups from continuous population statistics. What is important for the comparability over time of the results on the working life is that the questions on the activity status were redesigned in 2005. The changes are aimed at an improved implementation of the labour force concept of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in the questionnaire and, for methodical reasons, lead to an increase in the number of persons in employment compared with the previous year. Consequently, the differences in results regarding the number of persons in employment, e.g. when compared with employment accounts, have been reduced considerably. Other changes in the questionnaire were successively implemented in the subsequent years. This should be taken into account for comparisons over time, for employment/population ratios and the structures of results.