Labour Force Survey, 2. quarter 1998 - 1. quarter 2000, panel

As of the 1st quarter of 1972, SSB has conducted official quarterly labour force surveys (AKU). These surveys aim to give the labour force authorities (and other people interested) knowledge of the occupational structure of the population and how it develops over time. The surveys are meant to give a foundation and statistical material for occupational prognoses and labour research.

In 1996, AKU was significantly revised: The questionnaire, the file description and the standard for coding of industry and occupation. The data collection also changed to CATI - Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing. A new classification of industry was put into use (NOS C 182, based on the EU standard NACE, Rev.1). This standard was updated in 2002 and 2007. Also, the new Norwegian standard classification of occupations (STYRK) based on ISCO 88 was used from 1996 and onwards. The variable indicating socio-economic status was omitted, as a similar variable was not developed in the new occupational classification.

Every second quarter AKU is extended with a number of questions to collect data accordant to Eurostats / EUs spesifications.

From 1996, the rotation schedule changed, each family now attends eight consecutive quarters. As of 1996 the selection shedule was changed as well with stratification at the county level.

Panel files are created by linking eight interviews from an ordinary interview round of the Labour Force Survey.

By "Approximate national quarterly figures" it means that differences from the quarterly national weighted figures can appear, because of the selections and whitdrawal in the connection of the panels. Because of the whitdrawal inflated numbers will be lower than the national total figures. The main point of the weights is not to is not to give national totals, but rather to ensure the best possible representation.