The period for active job search is the four weeks before survey week, and the reference period for availability to start work is the two weeks following the survey week. The survey is quarterly, with interviews conducted continuously through the quarter. Selected dwellings remain in the survey for five consecutive quarters. Fieldwork is undertaken continuously throughout the year. A permanent survey organization conducts the survey.
Interviewers are staff of regional statistical offices.
The total nonresponse rate is 6 percent.