UKCES Employer Skills Survey 2015
Source: data.gov.uk (2018-05-08)

The 2015 Employer Skills Survey (ESS15) is the third in the series of UK-wide skills surveys run by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES). 

The survey gives us a unique insight into the skills issues employers face and the actions they are taking to address them, providing a unique skills perspective alongside other labour market information. There is no other business survey on this scale: our researchers conducted over 91,000 interviews across the UK economy.

Topics covered in the survey include training and staff development, vacancies and skills shortages, employee skill gaps, retention of workforce and underutilisation of skills.

The ESS15 results provide a comprehensive source of data for users:

• Employers can identify how they compare to their sector in their provision of training or own experience of skill deficiency and identify key challenges and opportunities for their sector; 

• Individuals and careers advisers can identify sectors and occupations experiencing particular shortages; 

• Providers of training and development can use the results to help shape provision to need in their locality or their specialist areas. 

Data are available for the UK, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, as well as Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP) and Local Education Authority (LEA) areas in England.

ESS 2015
1
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

UK Employer Skills Survey 2015
J5440 Date 20/05/2015
QUESTIONNAIRE
Telephone

S Screener
SAMPLE VARIABLES USED IN SURVEY:

Country (country)
England
1

Northern Ireland
2

Scotland
3

Wales
4
SIC Description (sicdesc)
Text field

Company name (company)
Text field

Sector for quotas (sector)
Agriculture
1

Mining & Quarrying
2

Manufacturing
3

Electricity, Gas and Water
4

Construction
5

Wholesale and Retail
6

Hotels and Restaurants
7

Trade, Accommodation and Transport
8

Financial Services
9

Business Services
10

Public Admin
11

Education
12

Health and Social Work
13

Community, Social and Personal services
14
Region for quotas (region)
East of England
1

East Midlands
2

London
3

North East
4

North West
5

South East
6

South West
7

West Midlands
8

Yorkshire and Humber
9

Northern Ireland
10

Scotland
11

Wales
12
Contact name from previous
survey (hascon)
Yes
1

No
2
Took part in ESS13
(ESS13comp)
Yes
1

No
2

ESS 2015
2
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK TELEPHONIST
S1
Good morning / afternoon. Can I just check, is this [COMPANY NAME FROM SAMPLE]?
Yes – correct
1
CONTINUE
No – company name wrong
2
TAKE CORRECT
COMPANY NAME AND
CONTINUE
Hard appointment
3
MAKE APPOINTMENT
Soft appointment
4
Refusal
5
CLOSE

Refusal – company policy
6
Refusal – taken part in recent survey
7
Residential Number
8
Company closed
9

IF S1=1 OR 2
S2
My name is NAME, calling from [COMPANY NAME], an independent market research company.
IF NAMED SAMPLE: Please may I speak to [NAME].

IF SAMPLE NOT NAMED: We’re conducting a government survey about recruitment, human
resources and workplace skills. Can I speak to the most senior person at this establishment
with responsibility for these sorts of issues?
INTERVIEWER NOTE: IF RESPONDENT ATTEMPTS TO TRANSFER TO SOMEONE AT ANOTHER
SITE: We need to speak to someone at this site rather than someone at another branch or office
of your organisation. Could I speak to the person at this site who would have the best overview
of the skills that your establishment needs its workers to have?
Person on phone is correct respondent
1
CONTINUE
Referred to someone else at establishment

NAME_____________________________

JOB TITLE_________________________

2
TRANSFER AND ASK S3
Hard appointment
3
MAKE APPOINTMENT
Soft appointment
4
Refusal
5
THANK AND CLOSE
Refusal – company policy
6

ESS 2015
3
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

Refusal – taken part in recent survey
7
No one at site to answer questions
8
Not available in deadline
9
WANTS REASSURANCES
10
SHOW REASSURANCES

ASK ALL
S3
IF S2 not 1: Good morning/afternoon, my name is NAME and I am calling from [COMPANY
NAME], an independent research organisation.
ALL: We are conducting a survey on behalf of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills
and [ENGLAND: the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) WALES: the Welsh
Government SCOTLAND: the Scottish Government NI: the Department for Employment and
Learning in Northern Ireland (DELNI)].
The survey aims to help Government and other organisations to assist employers like you, by
better understanding your needs in terms of skills, training and employment. Your co-operation
will ensure that the views expressed are representative of all employers in your industry.
IF NECESSARY: If you would like, we will also email you a summary report of our findings as a
thank you for taking part once the research has been completed
The interview will take on average 20 minutes depending on the answers given. Would it be
convenient to conduct the interview now?

Yes – continue
1
CONTINUE
Definite Appointment
2
MAKE DEFINITE
APPOINTMENT
Soft appointment
3
MAKE SOFT CALL BACK
Refusal
4
THANK AND CLOSE
Refusal – company policy
5
Refusal – taken part in recent survey
6
Not available in deadline
7
Send email reassurance
8
COLLECT EMAIL ADDRESS
WANTS REASSURANCES
9
SHOW REASSURANCES

ESS 2015
4
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

REASSURANCES TO USE IF NECESSARY
The interview will take around 20 minutes to complete.
[IF ess13comp=1 AND hascon=1: Your organisation kindly took part in the UK Commission’s previous
Employer Skills Survey in Spring/Summer 2013 and, at the end of that interview, gave permission to be
re-contacted about future relevant research.]
Please note that all data will be reported in aggregate form and your answers will not be reported to our
client in any way that would allow you to be identified.
If respondent wishes to confirm validity of survey or get more information about aims and objectives, they
can visit the UKCES website or call:

MRS: Market Research Society on xx-xxxx-xxxx

[COMPANY CONTACTS IFF: Christabel Downing or Mark Tweddle on xx-xxxx-xxxx] [BMG
AND IPSOS MORI TO ADD OWN COMPANY CONTACTS]

UKCES: Rosie Sutton on xx-xxxx-xxxx

Website for further information and FAQs: www.skillssurvey.co.uk

ASK ALL BASED IN WALES (COUNTRY=4)
S4)
Would you prefer the interview to be carried out in Welsh or English?

Welsh
1
“One of our Welsh speaking interviewers will call back in
the couple of working days to make an appointment with
you.”
THANK AND CLOSE
English
2
CONTINUE

DUMMOD:

DUMMY QUESTION TO SET MODULE

MODULE 1 (50% OF SAMPLE ASSIGNED RANDOMLY)
1
MODULE 2 (50% OF SAMPLE ASSIGNED RANDOMLY)
2

ESS 2015
5
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

A Firmographics
ASK ALL
A3
First, can I just check, is this establishment..?
READ OUT. SINGLE CODE.

IF NECESSARY: By ‘establishment’, I mean the site at which you work

The only establishment in the organisation, or
1
GO TO A1
One of a number of establishments within a larger organisation
2
ASK A5

ASK IF MULTI-SITE ORGANISATION (A3=2)
A5
Approximately how many people work in your organisation across the UK as a whole -
By that I mean both full-time and part-time employees on your payroll, as well as any working
proprietors or owners, but excluding the self-employed and outside contractor or agency staff.

PROBE FOR BEST ESTIMATE AND RECORD NUMBER
IF DK, PROMPT WITH RANGES
(IF ANSWER GIVEN, CATI CODE RANGES AUTOMATICALLY)

A5RAN
Is it roughly...
READ OUT. SINGLE CODE.
Under 10
1
10-49
2
50-249
3
250-999
4
1,000+
5
Don’t know
X

ASK ALL
A1
(IF A3=2: And) how many people work at this specific site, including yourself, all others on your
payroll and any working proprietors or owners, but [IF A3=2: again] excluding the self-
employed and outside contractor or agency staff.
INTERVIEWER NOTE: NON-EMPLOYEE TRAINERS AND EMPLOYEES UNDER 16 SHOULD BE
EXCLUDED.
PROBE FOR BEST ESTIMATE AND RECORD NUMBER
ONLY ALLOW NUMBERS SMALLER THAN OR EQUAL TO THE INTEGER GIVEN AT A5, OR THE
HIGHER END OF ORGANISATION SIZE BANDING GIVEN IN PREVIOUS QUESTION (A5)

ESS 2015
6
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

CLOSE IF DON’T KNOW / REFUSED

A1DUM) CATI TO CODE RANGE AUTOMATICALLY AND CHECK QUOTA

1
1
GO TO A1X
2-4
2
Check A1A
5-9
3
10-24
4
25-49
5
50-99
6
100-249
7
250 or more
8

IF A1DUM=1
A1X Can I just check, are you including yourself in that answer?

Yes
1
THANK AND
CLOSE
No
2
RESET
A1DUM TO
CODE 2 AND
RESET A1 TO
'2'

IF A1X=2 READ OUT: For the purpose of this interview we will be classifying your
establishment as having two employees.

A1A MOVED TO QUESTION B1
A3
QUESTION MOVED
A4
THERE IS NO A4

ASK IF MULTI-SITE ORGANISATION (A3=2)
A4NEW Is this site the Head Office of the organisation?

Yes – Head Office
1
No
2
Don’t know
3

ASK IF MULTISITE BUT NOT HEAD OFFICE (A3=2 AND A4NEW=2 or 3)
A4A Are the headquarters of your organisation based in the UK or outside of the UK?

CODE ONE ONLY.

Within the UK
1
Outside the UK
2
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know
X

A5
QUESTION MOVED

ESS 2015
7
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

IF MULTI-SITE ORGANISATION (A3=2):
From now on, when I use the word ‘establishment’, I mean the site at which you work.

ASK ALL
A6
I have [SIC DESCRIPTION ON SAMPLE] as a general classification for your establishment. Does
this sound about right?

Yes
1
No
2

IF NO (A6=2):

A7
How would you describe the main business activity of this establishment?
PROBE FULLY:

What would you type into a search engine to find an organisation like yours online?

What is the main product or service of this establishment?

What exactly is made or done at this establishment?

Who does it sell its product/services to?

WRITE IN. TO BE CODED TO 4-DIGIT SIC07.

ASK ALL
A8
Would you classify your organisation as one ...? READ OUT. CODE ONE ONLY

MAINLY seeking to make a profit
1
A charity or voluntary sector organisation or a social enterprise
2
A local-government financed body
ADD IF NECESSARY: such as a service provided or funded by the council
such as leisure centres, social care, waste or environmental health services
3
A central government financed body
ADD IF NECESSARY: such as the Civil Service, any part of the NHS, a
college or university, the Armed Services, an Executive Agency or other non-
departmental public bodies
4
DO NOT READ OUT: None of the above, other (SPECIFY)
5

A9
THERE IS NO A9

ASK MODULE 1
A10 IF PRIVATE SECTOR (A8=1): Are your products or services primarily sold…?
IF PUBLIC/THIRD SECTOR (A8=2-5): Does your establishment primarily serve the population…?
READ OUT. CODE ONE ONLY.

Locally – within an individual town or local area
1
Regionally – within a specific area of [England/Scotland/Wales/Northern
Ireland]
2
Nationally – within [England/Scotland/Wales/Northern Ireland]
3
Within the UK
4

ESS 2015
8
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

Internationally – outside the UK
5
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know
X
DO NOT READ OUT: Not applicable
Y

ESS 2015
9
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

B Retention / Retention Difficulties
ASK MODULE 2 (DUMMOD=2) (DS – QUESTION WAS A1A IN 2013)
B1
Compared to 12 months ago, has the number of people employed at this establishment…?
READ OUT AND CODE ONE ONLY.

Remained about the same,
1
Increased
2
Decreased
3
DO NOT READ OUT: Was not in business 12 months ago
4
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know
X

B2
THERE IS NO B2

ASK MODULE 2 (DUMMOD=2)
B3
Are there particular jobs in which you have difficulties retaining staff?
PROMPT IF NECESSARY: Retention difficulties are when a high number of staff leave (but not as a
direct result of downsizing or redundancy)

Yes
1
Ask B3A
No
2
Go to C1
Don’t know
3

ASK IF DIFFICULT TO RETAIN STAFF B3=1
B3A Which is the occupation in which you have the MOST difficulty retaining staff?

WRITE IN. PROMPT FOR FULL DETAILS (E.G. IF ‘MANAGER’ PROBE: WHAT TYPE OF
MANAGER?)

AT THE ANALYSIS STAGE CODE TO SOC 2010 4 DIGITS

ESS 2015
10
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK IF DIFFICULT TO RETAIN STAFF B3=1
B4
Which of the following are the main reasons why it is difficult to retain staff in this
occupation…?

READ OUT. CODE ALL THAT APPLY. ROTATE ANSWER LIST (EXCEPT CODE 10)

Wages offered are lower than those offered by other organisations
1
Impact of the benefits trap
2
Geographic location of the site
3
Unattractive conditions of employment
4
Lack of career progression
5
Long/unsocial hours
6
Too much competition from other employers
7
Not enough people interested in doing this type of work
8
Staff don't want long term commitment
9
Are there any other key reasons why it is difficult to retain staff (WRITE IN)
10

B5
QUESTION DELETED

B6
QUESTION DELETED

ESS 2015
11
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

C Recruitment & Recruitment Difficulties
ASK ALL
C1A Have you recruited anyone at this site in the last 12 months? IF NECESSARY: whether or not
they are still working for you

Yes
1
No
2
Don’t know
X

ASK ALL
C6
How many vacancies, if any, do you CURRENTLY have at this establishment?
PROBE FOR BEST ESTIMATE

WRITE IN NUMBER __(0-9999)___________
ALLOW DON’T KNOW

IF C6 > 100 ASK:
C6chk I’ve recorded that as , is this correct?

Yes
1
CONTINUE
No
2
RE-ASK C6

ASK ALL WITH ANY VACANCIES AT C6. (OTHERS GO TO D1.)
C7
In which specific occupations do you currently have [C6>1: vacancies C6=1 a vacancy] at this
establishment?

PROMPT FOR FULL DETAILS (E.G. IF ‘MANAGER’ PROBE: WHAT TYPE OF MANAGER?)
RECORD DETAILS FOR UP TO 6 OCCUPATIONS.
CODE TO SOC2010 4 DIGITS

DUMVAC CATI DUMMY VARIABLE – LIST OF UP TO 6 OCCUPATIONS WITH VACANCIES

ESS 2015
12
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

IF >1 OCCUPATION WITH VACANCIES AT C7, ASK C8. OTHERS GO TO C9.
C8
How many vacancies do you have for ?
PROBE FOR BEST ESTIMATE

INTERVIEWER: [ANSWER FROM C6 MINUS TOTAL AT C8 SO FAR] VACANCIES REMAINING

DP – DO NOT ALLOW DON’T KNOW. ANSWER MUST BE AT LEAST 1

C7
C8 – number
Occupation 1 -
(1-[C6])
Occupation 2 -
(1-[C6])
Occupation 3 -
(1-[C6])
Occupation 4 -
(1-[C6])
Occupation 5 -
(1-[C6])
Occupation 6 -
(1-[C6])

CATI CHECK: TOTAL OF ALL VACANCIES AT C8 MUST SUM TO C6 (UNLESS GIVE 6
OCCUPATIONS IN WHICH CASE TOTAL CANNOT BE GREATER THAN C6).

IF FAIL CATI CHECK: PROMPT RESPONDENT WITH … This sums to but you
just told me that you had vacancies in total…
THEN RE-ASK C6, C7 AND 8

ESS 2015
13
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK ALL WITH VACANCIES AT C6 (C6>0)
C9
[IF C6>1: Are any of your vacancies IF C6=1: Is this vacancy] proving hard to fill?

Yes
1
ASK C10
No
2
GO TO D1
Don’t know
3
GO TO D1

ASK IF HAVE MORE THAN ONE VACANCY AND HAVE HARD TO FILL VACANCIES (C9=1 AND
C6>1); IF ONLY HAVE ONE VACANCY AND HAVE HARD TO FILL VACANCY CATI
AUTOMATICALLY CODE C10=OCCUPATION FROM C7.
C10 How many of your vacancies for are proving
hard-to-fill?
CATI – SHOW ON SCREEN NUMBER OF VACANCIES FOR EACH OCCUPATION AT C7.
ANSWER GIVEN MUST BE BETWEEN 0 AND C8 RESPONSE

C10 Number of hard-to-fill vacancies
Occupation 1 -
(0 – RESPONSE AT C8_1)
Occupation 2 -
(0 – RESPONSE AT C8_2)
Occupation 3 -
(0 – RESPONSE AT C8_3)
Occupation 4 -
(0 – RESPONSE AT C8_4)
Occupation 5 -
(0 – RESPONSE AT C8_5)
Occupation 6 -
(0 – RESPONSE AT C8_6)

CATI CHECK: NUMBER OF HARD TO FILL VACANCIES MUST SUM TO > 0 AT C10.

IF FAIL CATI CHECK: PROMPT RESPONDENT WITH: You told me earlier that you had
vacancies that were hard-to-fill but I have not recorded any of them here…
THEN RE-ASK C9

C10DUM CATI DUMMY VARIABLE – LIST OF UP TO 6 OCCUPATIONS WITH HARD-TO-FILL
VACANCIES

ESS 2015
14
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK C11A – C13 IN SEQUENCE FOR UP TO 6 OCCUPATIONS > 0 AT C10 (I.E. OCCUPATIONS
WITH HARD-TO-FILL VACANCIES)
NB IF C6=1 AND C9=YES, ASK ABOUT OCCUPATION FROM C7

C11A What are the main causes of having a hard to fill vacancy for [TEXT SUBSTITUTION:
OCCUPATION WITH HARD TO FILL VACANCY AT C10]?
DO NOT READ OUT. CODE ALL THAT APPLY

Occupations with hard-to-fill vacancies

Occ 1
Occ 2
Occ 3
Occ 4
Occ 5
Occ 6
Too much competition from other employers
1
1
1
1
1
1
Not enough people interested in doing this type of job
2
2
2
2
2
2
Poor terms and conditions (e.g. pay) offered for post
3
3
3
3
3
3
Low number of applicants with the required skills
4
4
4
4
4
4
Low number of applicants with the required attitude,
motivation or personality
5
5
5
5
5
5
Low number of applicants generally
6
6
6
6
6
6
Lack of work experience the company demands
7
7
7
7
7
7
Lack of qualifications the company demands
8
8
8
8
8
8
Poor career progression / lack of prospects
9
9
9
9
9
9
Job entails shift work/unsociable hours
10
10
10
10
10
10
Seasonal work
11
11
11
11
11
11
Remote location/poor public transport
12
12
12
12
12
12
Other (WRITE IN)
13
13
13
13
13
13
No particular reason (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
14
14
14
14
14
14
Don’t know (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
X
X
X
X
X
X

ESS 2015
15
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK C11B FOR EACH OCCUPATION WHERE VACANCIES ARE HARD-TO-FILL BUT WHERE
ONE OF CODE 4 OR 7 OR 8 AT C11A NOT MENTIONED (IF ALL HARD-TO-FILL OCCUPATIONS
CODED 4, 7 OR 8 AT C11a, GO TO C13)

C11B Can I just check, are you finding [IF (SUM OF C10)=1: this vacancy IF SUM OF C10>1: any of
these vacancies] for hard to fill because…

READ OUT; CODE ONE ONLY

Occ 1 Occ 2 Occ 3 Occ 4 Occ 5 Occ 6
Applicants have not been of sufficient quality
1
1
1
1
1
1
Because there have been few or no applicants
2
2
2
2
2
2
Or for both of these reasons
3
3
3
3
3
3
DO NOT READ OUT: Neither of these reasons
4
4
4
4
4
4
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know
5
5
5
5
5
5

ASK FOR ALL HARD-TO-FILL VACANCIES CAUSED BY LACK OF QUALITY (C11B=1 OR 3)
C12 You said that you have had problems with the quality of the candidates for [OCCUPATION].
Would you say that they have been lacking…

READ OUT. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.

Occ 1 Occ 2 Occ 3 Occ 4 Occ 5 Occ 6
The skills you look for
1
1
1
1
1
1
The qualifications you look for
2
2
2
2
2
2
The work experience that you require
3
3
3
3
3
3
Or do applicants tend to have poor attitudes,
motivation and/or personality
4
4
4
4
4
4
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know (ALLOW SINGLE
CODE ONLY)
X
X
X
X
X
X

DS NOTE – QUESTION C13 IS SPLIT INTO TWO VERSIONS. 50% OF SAMPLE WITH SSVS GET “NEW”
VERSION (C13a AND C13NW AND C13b) AND 50% WITH SSVS GET “OLD” VERSION (C13).

OF THOSE GETTING THE “NEW” VERSION, IT SHOULD ONLY BE ASKED OF THE FIRST TWO
OCCUPATIONS TO HAVE SSVS.

ESS 2015
16
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

“NEW” LIST 50%: ASK C13a AND C13NW IN A LOOP FOR FIRST TWO OCCUPATIONS WITH
HARD-TO-FILL VACANCIES CAUSED BY LACK OF SKILLS (C12=1, 2 OR 3 OR C11A=4, 7 OR 8)
FOR 50% OF SAMPLE
C13a I’m now going to ask you about skills you have had difficulty finding among candidates. Have
you found any of the following skills difficult to obtain from applicants for ?

IF NECESSARY: If you do not require candidates for this role to have this skill, then please do
not include it in your answer.
READ OUT. CODE ALL THAT APPLY
DS – ROTATE ORDER OF SKILLS (‘KNOWLEDGE OF PARTICULAR PRODUCTS OR SERVICES’
THROUGH TO ‘DON’T KNOW’ MUST ALWAYS APPEAR LAST AND IN THE ORDER SHOWN; IT
SKILLS MUST ALWAYS APPEAR TOGETHER WITH BASIC IT SKILLS FIRST, FOLLOWED BY
ADVANCED IT SKILLS; NUMERICAL SKILLS MUST ALWAYS APPEAR WITH BASIC NUMERICAL
SKILLS FIRST, FOLLOWED BY USING MORE COMPLEX NUMERICAL INFORMATION; BOTH
WALES ONLY OPTIONS MUST ALWAYS COME BEFORE COMMUNICATING IN A FOREIGN
LANGUAGE)

1st two Occupations
with SSVs

Occ 1
Occ 2
Computer literacy / basic IT skills
1
1
Advanced or specialist IT skills
2
2
Solving complex problems requiring a solution specific to the situation
3
3
Reading and understanding instructions, guidelines, manuals or reports
4
4
Writing instructions, guidelines, manuals or reports
5
5
Basic numerical skills and understanding
6
6
More complex numerical or statistical skills and understanding
7
7
WALES: Written Welsh language skills
8
8
WALES: Oral Welsh language skills
9
9
Communicating in a foreign language
IF NECESSARY: That is, a language that is not [WELSH: Welsh] or English
10
10
Manual dexterity – for example, to mend, repair, assemble, construct or
adjust things
11
11
Adapting to new equipment or materials
12
12
Knowledge of products and services offered by your organisation and
organisations like yours
13
13
Knowledge of how your organisation works
IF NECESSARY: This might include knowledge and understanding of the
structure of the organisation and the business model it operates
14
14
Specialist skills or knowledge needed to perform the role
15
15
DO NOT READ OUT: None of the above (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
17
17
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
18
18

ESS 2015
17
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

C13NW Next, I’m going to ask about skills relating to dealing with other people.

Have you found any of the following skills difficult to obtain from applicants for ?
IF NECESSARY: If
you do not require candidates for this role to have this skill, then please do not include it in
your answer.

READ OUT. CODE ALL THAT APPLY

DP – ROTATE ORDER OF SKILLS (CODES 2, 3 AND 4 (SALES, CUSTOMER HANDLING AND
PERSUADING) SHOULD ALWAYS APPEAR IN THIS ORDER. NONE & DON’T KNOW MUST
ALWAYS APPEAR LAST).

1st two occupations with
SSVs

Occ 1
Occ 2
Instructing, teaching or training people
1
1
Sales skills
2
2
Customer handling skills
3
3
Persuading or influencing others
4
4
Team working
5
5
Managing or motivating other staff
6
6
Ability to manage own time and prioritise own tasks
7
7
Setting objectives for others and planning human, financial and
other resources
8
8
Managing their own feelings, or handling the feelings of others
9
9
Making speeches or presentations
10
10
DO NOT READ OUT: None of the above (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
11
11
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
12
12

ESS 2015
18
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK IF SELECTED MORE THAN ONE CODE AT C13NW/C13A (COMBINED).
C13b Which one of the skills you have had difficulty finding for (OCCUPATION) is most important for
performing this role in your establishment? PROMPT IF NECESSARY
SINGLE CODE. ONLY SHOW CODES SELECTED AT C13NW AND C13A (INCLUDING A ‘DO NOT
READ OUT: DON’T KNOW’ CODE)

“OLD” LIST 50%: ASK FOR EACH OCCUPATION WITH HARD-TO-FILL VACANCIES CAUSED BY
LACK OF SKILLS (C12=1, 2 OR 3 OR C11A=4, 7 OR 8) FOR 50% OF SAMPLE
C13 Have you found any of the following skills difficult to obtain from applicants for ?

READ OUT. CODE ALL THAT APPLY

DP – ROTATE ORDER OF SKILLS (APART FROM IT SKILLS WHICH MUST ALWAYS APPEAR
TOGETHER WITH BASIC IT USER SKILLS FIRST, FOLLOWED BY ADVANCED IT SKILLS.
TECHNICAL & PRACTICAL SKILLS, JOB SPECIFIC SKILLS, ANY OTHER SKILLS, NONE & DON’T
KNOW MUST ALWAYS APPEAR LAST).

Occupations with hard to fill vacancies

Occ 1
Occ 2
Occ 3
Occ 4
Occ 5
Occ 6
Basic computer literacy / using IT
1
1
1
1
1
1
Advanced IT or software skills
2
2
2
2
2
2
Oral communication skills
3
3
3
3
3
3
Written communication skills
4
4
4
4
4
4
Customer handling skills
5
5
5
5
5
5
Team working skills
6
6
6
6
6
6
WALES: Written Welsh language skills
7
7
7
7
7
7
WALES: Oral Welsh language skills
8
8
8
8
8
8
Foreign language skills
9
9
9
9
9
9
Problem solving skills
10
10
10
10
10
10
Planning and Organisation skills
11
11
11
11
11
11
Strategic Management skills
12
12
12
12
12
12
Numeracy skills
13
13
13
13
13
13
Literacy skills
14
14
14
14
14
14
Technical, practical or job specific skills
16
16
16
16
16
16
Any other skills (WRITE IN)
18
18
18
18
18
18
DO NOT READ OUT: No particular skills
difficulties (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
19
19
19
19
19
19
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know (ALLOW
SINGLE CODE ONLY)
X
X
X
X
X
X

ESS 2015
19
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK IF SELECTED MORE THAN ONE CODE AT C13
C13D Which one of the skills you have had difficulty finding for (OCCUPATION) is most important for
performing this role in your establishment? PROMPT IF NECESSARY

SINGLE CODE. ONLY SHOW CODES SELECTED AT C13 (INCLUDING A ‘DO NOT READ OUT:
DON’T KNOW’ CODE)

ASK ALL WITH HARD-TO-FILL VACANCIES (C9=1)
C14 Thinking now about all occupations in which you have hard-to-fill vacancies, are hard-to-fill
vacancies causing this establishment to… READ OUT. CODE ALL THAT APPLY
DP – RANDOMISE ORDER APART FROM “OTHER”/“NONE”/DON’T KNOW.
Lose business or orders to competitors
1
Delay developing new products or services
2
Have difficulties meeting quality standards
3
Experience increased operating costs
4
Have difficulties introducing new working practices
5
Increase workload for other staff
6
Outsource work
7
Withdraw from offering certain products or services altogether
8
Have difficulties meeting customer services objectives
9
Have difficulties introducing technological change
10
DO NOT READ OUT: None (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
11
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
X

ESS 2015
20
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK ALL WITH HARD-TO-FILL VACANCIES (C9=1)
C15 What, if anything, is this establishment doing to overcome the difficulties that you are having
finding candidates to fill these hard-to-fill vacancies? DO NOT READ OUT. PROBE FULLY.
CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
INTERVIEWER NOTE: If the respondent mentions advertising or recruitment please probe to fully
understand whether they are using a new method of recruitment (code 6), spending more money on
recruitment (code 4), or both.
Increasing salaries
1
Increasing the training given to your existing workforce
2
Redefining existing jobs
3
Increasing advertising / recruitment spend
4
Increasing / expanding trainee programmes
5
Using NEW recruitment methods or channels
6
Recruiting workers who are non-UK nationals
7
Bringing in contractors to do the work, or contracting it out
8
Being prepared to offer training to less well qualified recruits
9
Other (WRITE IN)
10
Nothing (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
11
Don’t know (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
X

ESS 2015
21
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

D Demand for Skills / Skills Gaps
I’d now like to turn to the skills within your existing workforce.
ASK ALL
D1
Thinking now about your current staff, roughly how
many of them are qualified to [EN/NI/WL: Level 4 / SC: SCQF Level 7] or above - by Level
[EN/NI/WL 4 / SC: 7] I mean a degree level qualification or higher, or [EN/NI/WL: an HND, HNC or
Foundation degree / SC: HNCs, Advanced Highers or SVQ level 3]?

ENTER NUMBER _____________________ ALLOW 0 TO A1

Don’t know X

IF DON’T KNOW (D1=DK)
D1RAN Can you give an estimate from the following bands? READ OUT

Fewer than 20%
1
20 to 49%
2
50 to 80%
3
More than 80%
4
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know
X

D2
THERE IS NO QUESTION D2
D3
THERE IS NO QUESTION D3

D4
THERE IS NO D4

ASK IF A1DUM=4-8 (10+ STAFF AT ESTABLISHMENT)
D5A For this next section we would like to categorise the [A1] staff you have at this establishment
into a number of different job roles. To help you quickly categorise your staff, we have
prepared an online prompt card – if you are at a computer we would recommend accessing this
page now at www.skillssurvey.co.uk/jobs . If not then it’s not a problem, I can just continue
asking the questions as I have been doing so far.
IF NECESSARY: THE PAGE WILL ASK YOU TO CHOOSE A BROAD SECTOR FOR YOUR
ESTABLISHMENT. THIS WILL ONLY BE USED TO MAKE THE EXAMPLES SHOWN MORE
RELEVANT TO YOU. IF YOU ARE NOT SURE, SELECT ‘NONE OF THE ABOVE’
INTERVIEWER TO CODE IF RESPONDENT SUCCESSFULLY ACCESSES ONLINE PROMPT
PAGE
Yes – respondent accessed online prompt page
1
ASK D5B
No – respondent has not accessed online prompt page
2
ASK D5D

ESS 2015
22
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK IF D5A=1: ACCESSED ONLINE PROMPT CARD
D5B Can I just check which sector you have chosen?

Transport, Retail or Wholesale
1

Business & Other Services, Finance or Insurance
2

Manufacturing, Construction or Agriculture
3

Hospitality, Catering or Leisure Services
4

Health or Social Care
5

Public Sector or Education
6

None of the above
7

ASK IF D5A=1
D5C Looking at the examples on the screen, please tell me how many of the [A1] staff you have at
this establishment fit into each job role.

Please note that staff should be classified according to their PRIMARY role - that is the one that
takes up the greatest proportion of their time - and that each member of staff should only be
allocated to one job role.

D5C
Managers, Directors and senior officials

[SEE APPENDIX A FOR PROMPTS]
(0 – A1)
Administrative and secretarial occupations

[SEE APPENDIX A FOR PROMPTS]
(0 – A1)
Elementary occupations

[SEE APPENDIX A FOR PROMPTS]
(0 – A1)
Process, plant and machine operatives

[SEE APPENDIX A FOR PROMPTS]
(0 – A1)
Sales and customer service occupations

[SEE APPENDIX A FOR PROMPTS]
(0 – A1)
Caring, Leisure and Other Service Occupations

[SEE APPENDIX A FOR PROMPTS]
(0 – A1)
Skilled trades occupations

[SEE APPENDIX A FOR PROMPTS]
(0 – A1)
Associate professional and technical occupations

[SEE APPENDIX A FOR PROMPTS]
(0 – A1)
Professional occupations

[SEE APPENDIX A FOR PROMPTS]
(0 – A1)

ESS 2015
23
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

IF D5C_1-9 NOT EQUAL TO A1
D5C_CHK
The figures you have given me sum to [D5C SUM] out of [A1] staff. Can I just re-check
the number of staff in each category?

RE-ASK D5C
CATI CHECK AFTER D5C: IF NUMBER OF STAFF EMPLOYED AT A1 IS GREATER THAN 50 AND
RESPONDENTS SAYS NO MANAGERS EMPLOYED AT D5

D5cchka Can I just check, I’ve recorded that there are no managers employed at this site – is this
correct?

Yes
1
CONTINUE
No
2
GO BACK TO D5c AND RECODE

ASK (IF D5A=2 OR IF (A1DUM=2-3 (ESTABLISHMENT HAS LESS THAN 10 STAFF)) AND A6=2
(SECTOR ON SAMPLE NOT CORRECT))
D5D For this next section we would like to categorise the [A1] staff you have at this establishment
into a number of different job roles.

To help us give you relevant examples, please can you tell me which of the following broad
sectors best fits your establishment:

ADD IF NECESSARY: THIS WILL JUST BE USED TO HELP US GIVE YOU MORE RELEVANT
EXAMPLES

Transport, Retail or Wholesale
1

Business & Other Services, Finance or Insurance
2

Manufacturing, Construction or Agriculture
3

Hospitality, Catering or Leisure Services
4

Health or Social Care
5

Public Sector or Education
6

None of the above
7

DS: CREATE DUMMY VARIABLE: IF A6=2, USE D5D RESPONSE; IF A6=1, ASSIGN TO
RELEVANT D5D CODE BASED ON SAMPLE SECTOR (SPEC TO FOLLOW)
1. TRANSPORT, RETAIL OR WHOLESALE
2. BUSINESS & OTHER SERVICES, FINANCE OR INSURANCE
3. MANUFACTURING, CONSTRUCTION OR AGRICULTURE
4. HOSPITALITY, CATERING OR LEISURE SERVICES
5. HEALTH OR SOCIAL CARE
6. PUBLIC SECTOR OR EDUCATION
7. NONE OF THE ABOVE

ESS 2015
24
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK IF D5A=2 OR IF A1DUM=2-3 (ESTABLISHMENT HAS LESS THAN 10 STAFF)
D5
[IF A6=1: For this next section we would like to categorise the [A1] staff you have at this
establishment into a number of different job roles.]

We will now just go through each category one at a time and categorise your staff into the
different job roles.

Please note that staff should be classified according to their PRIMARY role - that is the one that
takes up the greatest proportion of their time - and that each member of staff should only be
allocated to one job role.
Firstly, how many of your staff are employed as managers, directors or senior officials?
ADD AS NECESSARY: This categorisation covers occupations where main tasks consist of
direction and co-ordination of organisations and businesses. This can include the
management of internal departments / sections.

ADD AS NECESSARY: Staff should be categorised according to their primary role, i.e. the one
that takes up the greatest proportion of their time.

(Note: this excludes supervisors)
(Note: if police force this covers inspectors and above)

WRITE IN NUMBER _____ [RESPONSE MUST NOT EXCEED A1]

CATI CHECK AFTER D5: IF NUMBER OF STAFF EMPLOYED AT A1 IS GREATER THAN 50 AND
RESPONDENTS SAYS NO MANAGERS EMPLOYED AT D5

D5chka Can I just check, I’ve recorded that there are no managers employed at this site – is this
correct?

Yes
1
CONTINUE
No
2
GO BACK TO D5 AND RECODE
(INTERVIEWER NOTE: TO CHANGE
NUMBER OF STAFF USE ‘ D5, OTHERS GO TO D9
D6
And how many – if any – of your staff are employed in
administrative or secretarial occupations?
NOTE: STAFF SHOULD BE CATEGORISED ACCORDING TO THEIR PRIMARY ROLE, I.E. THE
ONE THAT TAKES UP THE GREATEST PROPORTION OF THEIR TIME

[SEE APPENDIX A FOR PROMPTS]

WRITE IN NUMBER _______ [RESPONSE MUST NOT EXCEED A1 – D5]

ASK IF A1 > D5+D6,
D7
You’ve told me that a total of [D5+D6] of your [A1] staff are employed as managers or in
administrative roles. I’d now like you to tell me what roles the remaining [A1-(D5+D6] staff fill.

ESS 2015
25
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

I’m going to read you seven different occupational roles, and I’d like you to tell me if any of
your remaining [A1-(D5+D6)] staff are employed in each. If staff carry out more than one role,
please only include them in their main function.
First, do you employ any staff at this establishment as <…OCCUPATION…>?

CATI CHECK: NUMBER OF CATEGORIES TO BE NO GREATER THAN NUMBER OF STAFF
EMPLOYED NOT IN MANAGEMENT / ADMINISTRATIVE ROLES (i.e. A1 – (D5 + D6))

FOR EACH OCCUPATION EMPLOYED (YES AT D7)
D8
How many of your staff at this establishment are employed as …? READ OUT. DS SHOW FULL
DESCRIPTIONS OF EACH OCCUPATION ON SCREEN.

D7
D8

Yes
No
Elementary occupations
[SEE APPENDIX A FOR PROMPTS]
1
2
(1-99999)
Process, plant and machine operatives
[SEE APPENDIX A FOR PROMPTS]
1
2
(1-99999)
Sales and customer service occupations
[SEE APPENDIX A FOR PROMPTS]
1
2
(1-99999)
Caring, Leisure and Other Service Occupations
[SEE APPENDIX A FOR PROMPTS]
1
2
(1-99999)
Skilled trades occupations
[SEE APPENDIX A FOR PROMPTS]
1
2
(1-99999)
Associate professional and technical occupations
[SEE APPENDIX A FOR PROMPTS]
1
2
(1-99999)
Professional occupations
[SEE APPENDIX A FOR PROMPTS]
1
2
(1-99999)

CHECK SUM OF D5+D6+D8 = A1. IF NOT RE-ASK D8.

ESS 2015
26
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

SAY TO ALL:

Thinking about the broad categories of employees, for each, I’d like to know how many you
think are fully proficient at their job. A proficient employee is someone who is able to do the job
to the required level.

ASK ALL, ASKING FOR EACH OCCUPATION WITH STAFF AT D5 / D6 / D7 // D5C

D9
How many of your [INSERT NUMBER FROM D5 / D5c / D6 / D8] existing staff working in
[OCCUPATION] would you regard as fully proficient at their job?
CATI – SHOW NUMERIC BREAKDOWN FROM D8/D5C TO HELP RESPONDENTS ANSWER D9.

CATI – ANSWER AT D9 MUST BE BETWEEN 0 AND D5, D6 or D8 / D5C RESPONSE FOR SAME
OCCUPATION.

D9
Managers, Directors and senior officials
(0 – RESPONSE AT D5/d5c_1)
Administrative and secretarial occupations
(0 – RESPONSE AT D6/d5c_2)
Elementary occupations
(0 – RESPONSE AT D8_1/d5c_3)
Process, plant and machine operatives
(0 – RESPONSE AT D8_2/d5c_4)
Sales and customer service occupations
(0 – RESPONSE AT D8_3/d5c_5)
Caring, Leisure and Other Service Occupations
(0 – RESPONSE AT D8_4/d5c_6)
Skilled trades occupations
(0 – RESPONSE AT D8_5/d5c_7)
Associate professional and technical occupations
(0 – RESPONSE AT D8_6/d5c_8)
Professional occupations
(0 – RESPONSE AT D8_7/d5c_9)

D9DUM CATI DUMMY VARIABLE – LIST OF ALL OCCUPATIONS NOT FULLY PROFICIENT AT
THEIR JOB

D9DUM2 CATI DUMMY VARIABLE – LIST OF 2 RANDOMLY CHOSEN OCCUPATIONS FROM
D7DUM

D9DUM3 CATI DUMMY VARIABLE – YES IF HAVE ANY SKILLS GAPS (A1>SUM OF D9) / NO IF
NO SKILLS GAPS (A1=SUM OF D9)

ESS 2015
27
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK ALL WITH SKILLS GAPS (D9DUM3=1), OTHERS GO TO D15

ALL: ASK D10 AND D11A-D OF UP TO 2 OCCUPATIONS WITH SKILLS GAPS (CHOSEN AT
RANDOM AT D9DUM2)

D10 [TEXT SUBSTITUTION IF >2 OCCUPATION AT D9 NOT PROFICIENT, ONLY SHOW FOR THE
FIRST LOOP: I want to ask about two of the categories where you say not all staff are
proficient.]

What are the main causes of staff in not being fully proficient in their jobs…?

READ OUT. RANDOMISE ORDER OF 1-10. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.

The development of new products and services
1
The introduction of new working practices
2
The introduction of new technology
3
They are new to the role – IF NECESSARY ADD either because they have recently
started the job or have recently been promoted to a higher level role
4
They have not received the appropriate training
5
Their training is currently only partially completed
6
They have been on training but their performance has not improved sufficiently
7
Unable to recruit staff with the required skills
8
Problems retaining staff
9
Staff lack motivation
10
Are there any other reasons? (SPECIFY)
11
DO NOT READ OUT: No particular cause (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
12
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
X

DS NOTE – QUESTION D11 IS SPLIT INTO TWO VERSIONS. IF THE RESPONDENT HAS SSVS THEY
SHOULD BE ASKED THE SAME VERSION OF THE LIST AS THEY GOT AT C13.

OTHERWISE, 50% OF SAMPLE WITH GAPS GET “NEW” VERSION (D11a AND D11NW AND D11b) AND
50% WITH GAPS GET “OLD” VERSION (D11).

ESS 2015
28
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

“NEW LIST”: ASK D11A AND D11NW OF THE SAME OCCUPATIONS AS D10 FOR 50% OF
SAMPLE
D11a I’m now going to ask you about the skills you feel need improving. Thinking about your
who are not fully proficient, which, if any, of the following skills do you feel
need improving?

IF NECESSARY: If you do not require staff in this role to have this skill, then please do not
include it in your answer.
READ OUT. CODE ALL THAT APPLY
DS – ROTATE ORDER OF SKILLS (‘KNOWLEDGE OF PARTICULAR PRODUCTS OR SERVICES’
THROUGH TO ‘DON’T KNOW’ MUST ALWAYS APPEAR LAST AND IN THE ORDER SHOWN; IT
SKILLS MUST ALWAYS APPEAR TOGETHER WITH BASIC IT SKILLS FIRST, FOLLOWED BY
ADVANCED IT SKILLS; NUMERICAL SKILLS MUST ALWAYS APPEAR WITH BASIC NUMERICAL
SKILLS FIRST, FOLLOWED BY USING MORE COMPLEX NUMERICAL INFORMATION; BOTH
WALES ONLY OPTIONS MUST ALWAYS COME BEFORE COMMUNICATING IN A FOREIGN
LANGUAGE)

Occ 1
Occ 2
Computer literacy / basic IT skills
1
1
Advanced or specialist IT skills
2
2
Solving complex problems requiring a solution specific to the
situation
3
3
Reading and understanding instructions, guidelines, manuals or
reports
4
4
Writing instructions, guidelines, manuals or reports
5
5
Basic numerical skills and understanding
6
6
More complex numerical or statistical skills and understanding
7
7
WALES: Written Welsh language skills
8
8
WALES: Oral Welsh language skills
9
9
Communicating in a foreign language
IF NECESSARY: That is, a language that is not [WELSH: Welsh] or
English
10
10
Manual dexterity – for example, to mend, repair, assemble,
construct or adjust things
11
11
Adapting to new equipment or materials
12
12
Knowledge of products and services offered by your organisation
and organisations like yours
13
13
Knowledge of how your organisation works
IF NECESSARY: This might include knowledge and understanding of the
structure of the organisation and the business model it operates
14
14
Specialist skills or knowledge needed to perform the role
15
15
DO NOT READ OUT: None of the above (ALLOW SINGLE CODE
ONLY)
17
17
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
18
18

ESS 2015
29
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

D11NW Next, I’m going to ask about skills related to dealing with other people. Thinking about your
who are not fully proficient, which, if any, of the following skills do you feel
need improving?

IF NECESSARY: If you do not require staff in this role to have this skill, then please do not
include it in your answer.

READ OUT. CODE ALL THAT APPLY

DS – ROTATE ORDER OF SKILLS (CODES 2, 3 AND 4 (SALES, CUSTOMER HANDLING AND
PERSUADING) SHOULD ALWAYS APPEAR IN THIS ORDER. NONE & DON’T KNOW MUST
ALWAYS APPEAR LAST).

Occ 1 Occ 2
Instructing, teaching or training people
1
1
Sales skills
2
2
Customer handling skills
3
3
Persuading or influencing others
4
4
Team working
5
5
Managing or motivating other staff
6
6
Ability to manage own time and prioritise own tasks
7
7
Setting objectives for others and planning human, financial and other resources
8
8
Managing their own feelings, or handling the feelings of others
9
9
Making speeches or presentations
10
10
DO NOT READ OUT: None of the above (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
11
11
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
12
12

ASK IF SELECTED MORE THAN ONE CODE AT D11NW/D11A (COMBINED).
D11b And which one of these skills which are lacking has the biggest impact on your establishment?
PROMPT IF NECESSARY
SINGLE CODE. ONLY SHOW CODES SELECTED AT D11NW AND D11A (INCLUDING A ‘DO NOT
READ OUT: DON’T KNOW’ CODE)

ESS 2015
30
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

“OLD LIST” ASK OF THE SAME OCCUPATIONS AS D10 FOR 50% OF SAMPLE
D11 Thinking about your who are not fully proficient, which, if any, of the following
skills do you feel need improving? READ OUT; CODE ALL THAT APPLY
CATI – ROTATE ORDER OF SKILLS (APART FROM IT SKILLS WHICH MUST ALWAYS APPEAR
TOGETHER WITH “GENERAL IT USER SKILLS” FIRST, FOLLOWED BY “IT PROFESSIONAL
SKILLS”. “TECHNICAL & PRACTICAL SKILLS”, “ANY OTHER SKILLS”, “NONE” & “DON’T KNOW”
MUST ALWAYS APPEAR LAST).

Occ 1
Occ 2
Basic computer literacy / using IT
1
1
Advanced IT or software skills
2
2
Oral communication skills
3
3
Written communication skills
4
4
Customer handling skills
5
5
Team working skills
6
6
WALES: Written Welsh language skills
7
7
WALES: Oral Welsh language skills
8
8
Foreign language skills
9
9
Problem solving skills
10
10
Planning and Organisation skills
11
11
Strategic management skills
12
12
Numeracy skills
13
13
Literacy skills
14
14
Technical, practical or job specific skills
16
16
Any other skills (WRITE IN)
18
18
DO NOT READ OUT: No particular skills difficulties (ALLOW SINGLE CODE
ONLY)
19
19
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
X
X

ASK IF SELECTED MORE THAN ONE CODE AT D11.
D11d And which one of these skills which are lacking has the biggest impact on your establishment?
PROMPT IF NECESSARY
SINGLE CODE. ONLY SHOW CODES SELECTED AT D11 (INCLUDING A ‘DO NOT READ OUT:
DON’T KNOW’ CODE)

ESS 2015
31
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK ALL WITH SKILL GAPS
D12 Thinking about your establishment as a whole, does the fact that some of your staff are not
fully proficient have an impact on how your establishment performs? READ OUT
Yes – major impact
1
ASK D13
Yes – minor impact
2
No
3
TO D13A

ASK IF HAD IMPACT (D12=1 OR 2)
D13 Is the fact that some of your staff are not fully proficient causing this establishment to…?
READ OUT. CODE ALL THAT APPLY. ROTATE ANSWER LIST.
Lose business or orders to competitors
1
Delay developing new products or services
2
Have difficulties meeting quality standards
3
Have higher operating costs
4
Have difficulties introducing new working practices
5
Increase workload for other staff
6
Outsource work
7
DO NOT READ OUT: No particular problems / None of the above (ALLOW
SINGLE CODE ONLY)
8
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
X

ASK ALL WITH SKILL GAPS
D13A Have you taken any steps to improve the proficiency or skills of these staff? READ OUT
Yes
1
ASK D14
No – but have plans to
2
GO TO D15
No
3
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know
4

ESS 2015
32
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK IF HAVE TAKEN ACTION (D13A=1)
D14 Which if any of the following steps is this establishment taking to overcome the fact that some
of its staff are not fully proficient in their job?
READ OUT. CODE ALL THAT APPLY. ROTATE ANSWER LIST.

Increase training activity / spend or increase/expand trainee
programmes
1
Reallocating work
2
Increase recruitment activity / spend
3
More staff appraisals / performance reviews
4
Implementation of mentoring / buddying scheme
5
More supervision of staff
6
Recruiting workers who are non-UK nationals
7
Changing working practices
8
Any other action? (WRITE IN)
9
DO NOT READ OUT: Nothing (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
10
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
X

ASK ALL
D15 You said that you have [A1] staff at this site. Of these, how many would you say have
QUALIFICATIONS that are more advanced than required for their current job role?

ENTER NUMBER

VALID RANGE = 0 TO (A1)

ALLOW DON’T KNOW

IF D15>0
D15A And how many of these [D15] staff ALSO have SKILLS that are more advanced than required
for their current job role?

INTERVIEWER: This should include staff who have BOTH relevant qualifications AND skills that are
more advanced than required for their current job.

ENTER NUMBER

VALID RANGE = 0 TO (D15)

ALLOW DON’T KNOW

ESS 2015
33
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK IF HAVE ANY STAFF WITH MORE ADVANCED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS (D15A>0)
D16 [IF D15A=1: What is the specific role or occupation of this member of staff who has] [IF D15A>1:
In which specific occupation do you have most staff who have] BOTH qualifications and skills
beyond those needed for their job role?
PROMPT FOR FULL DETAILS (E.G. IF MANAGER’ PROBE: WHAT TYPE OF MANAGER?)
RECORD SPECIFIC DETAILS FOR ONE OCCUPATION.
CODE AT ANALYSIS STAGE TO SOC2010 4 DIGITS

ASK IF HAVE ANY STAFF WITH MORE ADVANCED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS (D15A>0)
D17 And thinking of the [IF D15A=1: member of] staff in that specific occupation, what are the main
reasons why they are working in a role for which they have BOTH qualifications and skills
beyond those needed for their job role?
DO NOT READ OUT. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
To gain experience / current role is lower level in same industry as desired higher level
role
1
Competition for higher level roles / they are struggling to get a higher level job
2
Lack of jobs in the desired higher level role
3
Current role is temporary job / stop gap before starting desired career
4
The working hours suit them better
5
They are not interested in taking on a higher level role with more responsibility
6
We actively seek staff with qualifications and/or skills beyond those needed
7
Other reasons [SPECIFY]
8
No particular reason / it just happened
9
Don’t know
10

D18 QUESTION DELETED

ESS 2015
34
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK IF HAVE ANY STAFF WITH MORE ADVANCED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS (D15A>0)
D19 And overall would you say it is an advantage or disadvantage for your organisation to have [IF
D15A=1: this member of] [IF D15A>1: these] staff with both qualifications and skills beyond
those needed for their current role?
Advantage
1
Disadvantage
2
No difference
3
DO NOT READ OUT: It varies too much to say
4
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know
5

E THERE IS NO SECTION E

ESS 2015
35
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

F Workforce development
ASK ALL
F1
Does your establishment have any of the following…?
INTERVIEWER NOTES:
A
IF RESPONDENT INDICATES THAT ESTABLISHMENT IS COVERED BY A COMPANY WIDE
[SHOW CODE RELEVANT FOR EACH ITERATION: TRAINING PLAN / TRAINING BUDGET]
CODE AS ‘YES’
B
CODE AS ‘NO’ IF IN PROCESS OF DRAWING UP FIRST [SHOW CODE RELEVANT FOR EACH
ITERATION: TRAINING PLAN / TRAINING BUDGET]
C
CODE AS ‘YES’ IF CURRENTLY HAVE [SHOW CODE RELEVANT FOR EACH ITERATION:
TRAINING PLAN / TRAINING BUDGET] BUT IN PROCESS OF DRAWING UP NEW ONE.

Yes
No
Don’t
know
A training plan that specifies in advance the level and type
of training your employees will need in the coming year?
1
2
3
A budget for training expenditure?
[IF MULTI-SITE AND NOT HQ (A3=2 AND A4NEW≠1): which
specifically covers training spend for this site]
1
2
3

ASK MODULE 1 (DUMMOD=1)
F2
Approximately what proportion of your staff have a formal written job description?
PROMPT AS NECESSARY
None
1
Some but fewer than half
2
Around half
3
More than half but not all
4
All
5
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know
X

ASK MODULE 1 (DUMMOD=1)
F3
And approximately what proportion of your staff have an annual performance review?
PROMPT AS NECESSARY
None
1
Some but fewer than half
2
Around half
3
More than half but not all
4
All
5
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know
X

ESS 2015
36
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK ALL
F4
Over the past 12 months have you arranged or funded any off-the-job training or development
for employees at this site - by off-the-job training we mean training away from the individual’s
immediate work position, whether on your premises or elsewhere.
Yes
1
No
2
Don’t know
3

ASK ALL
F4a And have you arranged or funded any on-the-job or informal training and development over the
last 12 months - by this I mean activities that would be recognised as training by the staff, and
not the sort of learning by experience which could take place all the time.
Yes
1
No
2
Don’t know
3

F4DUM CATI VARIABLE: TYPES OF TRAINING

Provide both off-the-job and on-the-job training
1
F4=1 AND F4a=1
Provide off-the-job training only
2
F4=1 AND (F4a=2 OR 3)
Provide on-the-job training only
3
(F4=2 OR 3) AND F4a=1
Provide neither off-the-job nor on-the-job training
4
(F4=2 OR 3) AND (F4a=2
OR 3)

ESS 2015
37
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

IF NO TRAINING ARRANGED IN PAST 12 MONTHS (F4=2 AND F4A=2)
F5
You mentioned that you have not arranged or funded training for any of this establishment’s
employees over the past 12 months. What are the reasons for this?
PROBE: What other reasons have there been?
DO NOT READ OUT. CODE ALL THAT APPLY
No training available in relevant subject area
1
The courses interested in are not available locally
2
The quality of the courses or providers locally is not satisfactory
3
Difficult to get information about the courses available locally
4
I don’t know what provision is available locally
5
The start dates or times of the courses are inconvenient
6
No money available for training
7
External courses are too expensive
8
Managers have lacked the time to organise training
9
Employees are too busy to give training
10
Employees are too busy to undertake training and development
11
Training is not considered to be a priority for the establishment
12
All our staff are fully proficient / no need for training
13
Trained staff will be poached by other employers
14
Other (WRITE IN)
15
No particular reason (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
16

ASK IF PROVIDE TRAINING AT ALL (F4=1 OR F4a=1).
F6
Which of the following types of training have you arranged or funded for employees at this
establishment over the past year?
READ OUT AND CODE ALL THAT APPLY. ROTATE ANSWER LIST. BASIC INDUCTION TRAINING
AND EXTENSIVE INDUCTION TRAINING ALWAYS APPEAR TOGETHER IN THAT ORDER.
Basic induction training new staff receive when they start the job
1
More extensive induction training for new staff
10
Health & safety/first aid training
2
Job specific training
3
Supervisory training
4
Management training
5
Training in new technology
6
Any other types? (please specify)
7
DO NOT READ OUT: None of these (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
8
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
9

ESS 2015
38
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK IF PROVIDE H&S / BASIC INDUCTION TRAINING (F6=1 OR 2) UNLESS THEY HAVE ONLY
CODED 1 AND/OR 2 AT F6 IN WHICH CASE SKIP QUESTION AND AUTOMATICALLY CODE TO
100%
F7a And how much of the training that you have arranged or funded has been for [IF F6=2 health &
safety] [IF F6=1 AND 2 or] [IF F6=1 basic induction training new staff receive when they start the
job]? PROMPT WITH BANDS
IF RESPONDENT SAYS “ALL OF IT (100%)” CHECK THEY DO MEAN ALL OF THE TRAINING THEY
HAVE ARRANGED/FUNDED
Less than 20%
1
20-49%
2
50-80%
3
More than 80% but not all
4
All of it (100%)
5
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know
X

ASK IF PROVIDE TRAINING AT ALL (F4=1 OR F4a=1).
F7b Have you arranged or funded any training for staff in the last 12 months which has involved….?
READ OUT
Online training or e-learning
1
Other self-learning where the employee does the learning at a time of
their own choosing
2
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know
4
DO NOT READ OUT: None of these
5

IF ARRANGED ONLINE TRAINING IN LAST 12 MONTHS (F7B=1)
F7c Thinking about the amount of online training or e-learning arranged or funded for staff at this
site over the last 12 months, was this…
Significantly higher than in the 12 months before that
1
Slightly higher
2
About the same
3
Slightly lower
4
Or significantly lower in the last 12 months than in the 12 months
before that?
5
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know
6

ESS 2015
39
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

IF NOT ARRANGED ONLINE TRAINING IN LAST 12 MONTHS (F7B≠1)
F7e Has your establishment arranged or funded online training or e-learning for staff at this site at
all over the last two years?
Yes
1
No
2
Don’t know
3

IF ARRANGED OTHER SELF-LEARNING IN LAST 12 MONTHS (F7b=2)
F7d Thinking about the amount of other self-learning, where the employee does the learning at a
time of their own choosing, that you have arranged or funded for staff at this site over the last
12 months, was this…
Significantly higher than in the 12 months before that
1
Slightly higher
2
About the same
3
Slightly lower
4
Or significantly lower in the last 12 months than in the 12 months
before that?
5
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know
6

IF NOT ARRANGED OTHER SELF-LEARNING IN LAST 12 MONTHS (F7B≠2)
F7f
Has your establishment arranged or funded [IF F7b=1: other] self-learning, where the employee
does the learning at a time of their own choosing, at all over the last two years?

[IF F7b=1: ADD IF NECESSARY: By other we mean besides online or e-learning]
Yes
1
No
2
Don’t know
3

ESS 2015
40
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK ALL
F7
And has your establishment done any of the following to aid the development of your
employees in the last 12 months?

READ OUT; CODE ALL THAT APPLY

Provided supervision to ensure that employees are guided through their job role
over time
1
Provided opportunities for staff to spend time learning through watching others
perform their job roles
2
Allowed staff to perform tasks that go beyond their strict job role and providing them
with feedback as to how well they have done
3
DO NOT READ OUT: None of these (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
4
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
X

ASK IF PROVIDE TRAINING AT ALL (F4=1 OR F4A=1), OTHERS GO TO F16
F8
[IF BOTH ON AND OFF-THE-JOB (F4DUM=1): Thinking about both on- and off-the-job training,]
Over the last 12 months how many staff employed at this establishment have you funded or
arranged training and development for, including any who have since left?
IF SAY “ALL STAFF”, SAY: So including any staff who have since left, how many staff would that
be?

INTERVIEWER: ESTABLISHMENT CURRENTLY HAS [ANSWER FROM A1] STAFF.

WRITE IN ____(1 – 99999)____

F8RAN PROMPT WITH RANGE IF DON’T KNOW
1-2
1
3-4
2
5-9
3
10-19
4
20-29
5
30-39
6
40-49
7
50-99
8
100-199
9
200 or more
10
(DO NOT READ OUT) Don’t know
X

ESS 2015
41
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

IF F8 > (A1 x 2) ASK:
F8CHK You said you currently have employees but you have trained staff in the past 12 months, is this correct?

Yes
1
GO TO F9
No
2
RE-ASK F8

IF F8=A1 ASK:
F8CHK2 Were these all your current staff?

Yes
1
AUTOMATICALLY CODE F9
AND F10 TO MATCH
CURRENT STAFF
BREAKDOWN (D5C OR D5-8)
No
2
ASK F9

F10DUM CATI DUMMY VARIABLE – LIST EACH OCCUPATION EMPLOYED AT D5C/D5-8FOR ALL
WHO TRAIN (F4=1 OR F4A=1)

IF PROVIDE TRAINING AT ALL (F4=1 OR F4A=1)
F9
Over the last 12 months which occupations have you arranged or funded training for
[F4DUM=1:, whether on- or off-the-job]?
PROMPT AS NECESSARY

CATI – SHOW ALL OCCUAPTIONS MENTIONED AT D5-D7/D5C, PLUS (AS LONG AS NOT ALL 9
CATEGORIES ANSWERED YES AT D5 –D7/D5C) ‘ANY OTHER OCCUPATIONS’

ESS 2015
42
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK IF MORE THAN ONE OCCUPATION MENTIONED AT F9
F10 You said you had arranged or funded training for staff in the
last 12 months, including any who have since left. How many of these were …

SCREEN TO SHOW THE FIGURE OR RANGE FROM F8 AND COUNTDOWN AFTER EACH F10
ANSWER.

SCREEN ALSO TO SHOW THE NUMBER OF STAFF THEY CURRENTLY HAVE IN EACH
OCCUPATION (FROM D5/6/8/D5C)

TOTAL OF F10 MUST EQUAL F8 (OR BE WITHIN BAND IF ANSWERED F8RAN) – IF NOT CHECK
IF TOTAL TRAINED FIGURE WRONG (IF SO SNAP BACK TO F8 OR F8RAN) OR AMEND F10
ANSWERS.

F9
F10
Managers, Directors and senior officials
1
WRITE IN NUMBER____
Administrative and secretarial occupations
4
WRITE IN NUMBER____
Elementary occupations
9
WRITE IN NUMBER____
Process, plant and machine operatives
8
WRITE IN NUMBER____
Sales and customer service occupations
7
WRITE IN NUMBER____
Caring, Leisure and Other Service Occupations
6
WRITE IN NUMBER____
Skilled trades occupations
5
WRITE IN NUMBER____
Associate professional and technical occupations
3
WRITE IN NUMBER____
Professional occupations
2
WRITE IN NUMBER____
Any other occupations (WRITE IN)
10
WRITE IN NUMBER____
Calculate sum
SUM F10

IF SUM F10 DOES NOT EQUAL F8 (OR IS GREATER THAN TOP OF F8RAN BAND OR LESS
THAN THE BOTTOM OF F8RAN BAND) ASK:
F10chk You said that in the last 12 months that you trained staff, but the sum of the
occupations that you have trained total . Do you wish to amend the overall figure
or the number within each occupation?

Total figure
1
RE-ASK F8
Occupational figure
2
RE-ASK F10

ESS 2015
43
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

IF PROVIDE TRAINING AT ALL (F4=1 OR F4A=1)
F11 Over the last 12 months, on average, how many days training and development [F4DUM=1:
whether on- or off-the-job,] have you arranged for EACH MEMBER OF STAFF receiving
training?

NOTE TO INTERVIEWER: If respondent says ‘a week’ or ‘two weeks’ etc check: So how many
WORKING days is that?

INTERVIEW NOTE: For “less than a day” please code “Don’t know” and record on next screen

WRITE IN ABSOLUTE NUMBER ______(1-260)________

F11RAN: IF DON’T KNOW AT F11, PROMPT WITH RANGES

Less than a day
1
1 day
2
2 days
3
3 – 4 days
4
5 – 6 days
5
7 – 8 days
6
9 – 10 days
7
11 – 12 days
8
13 – 14 days
9
15 – 16 days
10
17 – 18 days
11
19 – 20 days
12
More than 20 days
13
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know
X

IF MORE THAN 20 at F11 OR CODE 13 AT F11RAN
F11chk Can I just check that, on average, EACH MEMBER OF STAFF receiving training and
development has received [INSERT ANSWER FROM F11 IF GAVE ABSOLUTE FIGURE OR
“more than 20” IF CODE 13 ON DON’T KNOW RANGE] days training over the last 12 months?

Yes
1
GO TO F15
No
2
RE-ASK F11

ESS 2015
44
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK ALL WHO TRAIN (F4=1 OR F4A=1)
F15
Does your establishment formally assess whether the training and development received by
an employee has an impact on their performance?
Yes
1
No
2
Don’t know
X

ASK ALL PROVIDING TRAINING (F4=1 or F4A=1)
F12
Thinking now about qualifications, how many of the people that you have
funded or arranged training for [TEXT SUBSTITUTION IF BOTH ON AND OFF THE JOB: whether on- or
off-the-job,] over the past 12 months are or were being trained towards a nationally
recognised qualification?

WRITE IN ____(0 – F8 INTEGER / TOP OF F8 BAND)____

PROMPT WITH RANGE IF DON’T KNOW
None
1
1-2
2
3-4
3
5-9
4
10-19
5
20-29
6
30-39
7
40-49
8
50-99
9
100-199
10
200 or more
11
(DO NOT READ OUT) Don’t know how
many but there were some
X
(DO NOT READ OUT) Don’t know if any
X

CATI CHECK – ANSWER GIVEN AT F12 SHOULD NOT BE GREATER THAN ANSWER GIVEN
AT F8 (INTEGER OR TOP OF RANGE IF ANSWERED BANDED VERSION).

ESS 2015
45
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK IF TRAINING TOWARDS A NATIONALLY RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION (F12>0 or bands 2-
11).
F13
And still thinking about the training you have arranged or funded towards nationally
recognised qualifications, [IF F12=1: is or was this member of, IF F12>1: are or were any of
these members of] staff being trained towards any of the following types of qualification in the
last 12 months...

F14
THERE IS NO F14.

F13

Yes
No
Don’t
know
Level 1 qualifications [SC: (in Scotland they may
be known as Level 4 qualifications)] such as an
[EN/WL/NI: NVQ SC: SVQ] Level 1 or BTEC
Introductory Diploma[SC: or General Standard]
1
2
3
Level 2 qualifications [SC: (in Scotland they may
be known as Level 5 qualifications)] such as an
[EN/WL/NI: NVQ SC: SVQ] Level 2, GCSEs [SC:,
Credit Standard Grade] or BTEC First Diploma
1
2
3
Level 3 qualifications [SC: (in Scotland they may
be known as Level 6 qualifications)] such as an
[EN/WL/NI: NVQ SC: SVQ] Level 3, A-Levels or
BTEC Nationals [WL: , or the Advanced Level
Welsh Baccalaureate SC: , or Highers or
Advanced Highers]
1
2
3
Level 4 qualifications or above [SC: (in Scotland
they may be known as Level 7 qualifications)]
such as degrees, HNC/HNDs, postgraduate
degrees or high level specialist professional
qualifications
1
2
3

ASK ALL THOSE WHO HAVE TRAINED IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS (F4=1 or F4A=1)
F15A If you could have done, would you have provided MORE training for your staff than you were
able to over the last 12 months?

Yes
1
No
2
Don’t know
X

ESS 2015
46
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK TO ALL WHO WOULD HAVE PROVIDED MORE TRAINING IF THEY COULD (F15A=1)
F15B What barriers, if any, have there been preventing your organisation providing more training
over the last 12 months for staff at this location? PROBE: what other barriers have you faced?
DO NOT READ OUT. CODE ALL MENTIONED. PROBE FULLY.

Lack of funds for training / training expensive
1
Can’t spare more staff time (having them away on training)
2
Staff now fully proficient / don’t need it
3
Staff not keen
4
A lack of GOOD local training providers
5
Lack of provision (e.g. courses are full up)
6
Difficulty finding training providers who can deliver training where or when we want it
7
A lack of appropriate training / qualifications in the subject areas we need
8
Hard to find the time to organise training
9
Lack of knowledge about training opportunities and/or suitable courses
10
Other (WRITE IN)
11
None
12
Don’t know
X

ASK ALL
F16
Is your establishment currently accredited with the Investors in People Standard?

Yes
1
No
2
DO NOT READ OUT - Don’t know
X

ESS 2015
47
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

G Skills utilisation / High performance working
ASK SECTION G TO MODULE 1 ONLY (DUMMOD=1)
G1
Does your establishment...

YES
NO
DK
n/a
IF A1>9 Create teams of people, who don’t usually work
together, to work on a specific project
1
2
X
Y
Have an equal opportunities policy
1
2
X
Y
Have formal procedures in place for employee
consultation such as a staff association, employee forum
or trade union consultation
1
2
X
Y
Currently hold any of the ISO 9000 Standards
1
2
X
Y
Consult with trade unions for reasons other than
negotiations about pay and conditions
1
2
X
Y
Conduct training needs assessments
1
2
X
Y

ASK MODULE 1 (DUMMOD=1)
G1A And does your establishment have any of the following pay and incentive schemes for your
employees?
READ OUT; CODE ALL THAT APPLY

Bonuses that are based on the overall performance of the
organisation [IF A3=2: or establishment]
1
Individual performance related pay
2
Flexible benefits (ADD IF NECESSARY: This is the option to use some
pre-tax pay for extra benefits such as pensions, childcare vouchers, life
assurance etc)
3
IF PRIVATE SECTOR (A8=1): Share options for employees BELOW
SENIOR MANAGEMENT
4
DO NOT READ OUT: None of the above (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
5
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know (ALLOW SINGLE CODE ONLY)
X

ASK MODULE 1 (DUMMOD=1)
G2
Do you have processes in place to allow you to identify “high potential” or talented individuals
within your establishment?
Yes – formally documented
1
Yes - informal
2
No
3
Don’t know
X

G3
THERE IS NO QUESTION G3.
G4
THERE IS NO QUESTION G4

ESS 2015
48
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK MODULE 1 (DUMMOD=1)
G5
To what extent would you say employees at your establishment…READ OUT FOR EACH, CODE
ONE ONLY

To a
large
extent
To
some
extent
Not
much
Not at
all
DK
Have variety in their work
1
2
3
4
X
Have discretion over how they do their work
1
2
3
4
X
Have access to flexible working
1
2
3
4
X

ESS 2015
49
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

H Business strategy and structure
ASK IF PRIVATE SECTOR ONLY (A8=1)
H1
I’d now like to ask you a few questions about how the products or services that are provided by
this establishment compare to those provided by others in your industry, including those
based in other countries.

On a scale of 1 to 5, where would you place this establishment if…

ASK PRIVATE SECTOR ONLY (A8=1)
ANEW) one indicates that there is no difference in the offering provided to customers or users of
your services and five indicates that there is a substantial amount of customisation depending
on the requirements of customers or users of your services

No difference
1
2
3
4
5
DK
Substantial
customisation

ASK PRIVATE SECTOR ONLY (ASK A8=1)
B)
one indicates that, compared to others in your industry, the competitive success of your
establishment’s products or services is wholly dependent on price and five that success does
not depend at all on price

Wholly price dependent
1
2
3
4
5
DK
Not at all price-
dependent

ASK ALL
C)
[IF PUBLIC OR THIRD SECTOR (A8=2-5): On a scale of 1 to 5, where would you place this
establishment if…]

one indicates that, compared to others in your industry, this establishment very rarely leads
the way in terms of developing new products, services or techniques, and five that you often
lead the way

Very rarely lead the way
1
2
3
4
5
DK
Often lead the
way

ASK PRIVATE SECTOR ONLY (ASK A8=1)
D)
one indicates that this establishment competes in a market for a standard or basic quality
product or service, and five that you compete in a market for premium quality products or
services.

Standard or basic
1
2
3
4
5
DK
Premium
quality

H2
THERE IS NO QUESTION H2

ESS 2015
50
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK ALL
H3
Does your establishment have a business plan that specifies the objectives for the coming
year?
INTERVIEWER NOTES:

IF RESPONDENT INDICATES THAT ESTABLISHMENT IS COVERED BY A COMPANY
WIDE BUSINESS PLAN, CODE AS ‘YES’

CODE AS ‘NO’ IF IN PROCESS OF DRAWING UP FIRST BUSINESS PLAN

CODE AS ‘YES’ IF CURRENTLY HAVE A BUSINESS PLAN BUT IN PROCESS OF
DRAWING UP NEW ONE.

Yes
1
No
2
DO NOT READ OUT: Don’t know
X

ESS 2015
51
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

I
Closing questions
I1
Thank you very much for taking the time to speak to us today. Occasionally it is necessary to
call people back to clarify information; may we please call you back if required?
REASSURE IF NECESSARY: Your details will only be used by [COMPANY] to call you back
regarding this particular study.

Yes
1
No
2

IF TRAIN AT ALL (F4=1 or F4a=1)
I3
The UK Commission will be conducting some follow up research in the next few weeks about
training expenditure. This will involve sending some questions by email then collecting
answers through a short telephone call. [IF IFF: Would this be possible? IF NOT IFF: Would you
be willing for their appointed contractor, IFF Research, to contact you about this? ]
REASSURE IF NECESSARY: The call should take less than 10 minutes.
Yes
1
No
2

ASK IF I3=1
I3B
Can you tell me your email address?

INTERVIEWER NOTE: CODE NULL FOR DON’T KNOW / DO NOT HAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS

WRITE IN ADDRESS ____________
GO TO I3C
NULL/REF

GO TO I2

ASK IF NOT NULL/REF AT I3B
I3C
I have that as [text sub of email address recorded at I3B] - is that right?
INTERVIEWER NOTE: SPELL OUT EMAIL ADDRESS LETTER-BY-LETTER

Yes
1
CONTINUE TO I3a
No
2
GO TO I3B AND REDO

ESS 2015
52
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK ALL
I3a
Would you like us to email you a summary report of the findings of this survey, once the
results are published in January 2016?
Yes
1

No
2

IF (I3=2 OR F4DUM=4) AND I3a=1
I3D
Can you tell me your email address?

INTERVIEWER NOTE: CODE NULL FOR DON’T KNOW / DO NOT HAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS

WRITE IN ADDRESS ____________
GO TO I3E
NULL/REF

GO TO I2

ASK IF NOT NULL/REF AT I3D
I3E
I have that as [text sub of email address recorded at I3D] - is that right?
INTERVIEWER NOTE: SPELL OUT EMAIL ADDRESS LETTER-BY-LETTER

Yes
1
CONTINUE TO I2
No
2
GO TO I3D AND REDO

ASK ALL
I2
If the UK Commission and their partners in this survey wish to carry out follow-up research
within the next 2 years on related issues, would it be ok for them or their appointed contractors
to contact you?
REASSURE IF NECESSARY: We would keep this separate to the responses you have given in
this survey; it will not be possible for the UK Commission, its partners or its contractors to
identify your survey responses from the information.
INTERVIEWER – IF RESPONDENT ASKS: “Partners in this survey” include the Department for
Business, Innovation and Skills, [ENG: Skills Funding Agency NI: DELNI SC: Scottish Government
WA: Welsh Government], Department for Work and Pensions, and the Sector Skills Councils.
Yes – both client and/or their contractors may recontact
1
Only the client may recontact
2
No
3

ASK ALL
I4
I have your postcode as [INSERT FROM SAMPLE] is this correct?
Yes
1
ASK I6
No
2
RECORD CORRECT POSTCODE

I5
THERE IS NO QUESTION I5

ESS 2015
53
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

ASK IF I1=1 OR I2=1 OR 2 OR I3=1
I6
And can I just confirm the best number to contact you on is [SHOW TELEPHONE NUMBER]?
Yes
1
NEXT QUESTION
No
2
RECORD CORRECT NUMBER

ASK ALL
I7
Finally, it is sometimes possible to link the data we have collected with other government
surveys or datasets to enable further statistical analysis. Would you be happy for this to be
done?
ADD IF NECESSARY: Your confidentiality will be maintained, and linked data will be
anonymised and only used for statistical purposes.
Yes
1
No
2

CONFIRM NAME, JOB TITLE, TELEPHONE AND EMAIL
THANK AND CLOSE

I declare that this survey has been carried out under IFF instructions and within the rules of the
MRS Code of Conduct.
Interviewer signature:
Date:
Finish time:
Interview Length
mins

ESS 2015
54
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

APPENDIX A – OCCUPATION PROMPTS
ROUTING:
IF ((D5A=2 OR
A1DUM=2-3) AND
A6=1) AND…
IF (D5A=1 OR (D5A=2
AND A6=2) OR
(A1DUM=2-3 AND A6=2)
AND…

SIC on sample = 45 to
53, 95
D5B=1 OR D5D=1
Use this
prompt list:
Transport, Retail or
Wholesale
SIC on sample = 58 to
74, 76 to 78, 80 to 82,
94, 9603
D5B=2 OR D5D=2
Use this
prompt list:
Business & Other Services,
Finance or Insurance
SIC on sample = 01 to 44
D5B=3 OR D5D=3
Use this
prompt list:
Manufacturing, Construction
or Agriculture
SIC on sample = 55 to
56, 79, 8130, 90, 92 to
93, 9601, 9602, 9604 to
9609
D5B=4 OR D5D=4
Use this
prompt list:
Hospitality, Catering or
Leisure Services
SIC on sample = 75, 86
to 88
D5B=5 OR D5D=5
Use this
prompt list:
Health or Social Care
SIC on sample = 84 to
85, 91
D5B=6 OR D5D=6
Use this
prompt list:
Public Sector or Education

D5B=7 OR D5D=7
Use this
prompt list:
None of the above

Transport, Retail or Wholesale

Example job roles
Managers, Directors
& Senior Officials
ADD IF NECESSARY: This categorisation covers occupations where main
tasks consist of direction and co-ordination of organisations and
businesses. This can include the management of internal departments /
sections.

Including:

Direction and co-ordination of organisations and businesses

Management of internal departments and sections
Admin & secretarial
ADD IF NECESSARY: Occupations undertake general admin, clerical,
secretarial work and perform a variety of specialist client orientated clerical
duties. Most occupations will require a good standard of general education.

Including:

Secretaries, receptionists, PAs, telephonists

Book-keepers, credit controllers/wage clerks

Office assistants, office managers

Database assistants

Stock control clerks & assistants

Transport & distribution clerks & assistants
Elementary
ADD IF NECESSARY: Covers occupations that involve mostly routine tasks
usually involving use of simple hand held tools and in some cases physical

ESS 2015
55
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

occupations
effort. Most do not require formal educational qualifications.

Includes:

Cleaners, security guards

Labourers

Kitchen/catering assistants

Packers, goods handling

Storage staff, shelf fillers

Postal workers, messengers & couriers
Process, plant &
machine operatives
ADD IF NECESSARY: Operate vehicles and other mobile and stationary
machinery, monitor industrial and plant equipment, or assemble products.
Most will not have a particular standard of education but will usually have
formal experience related training.

Includes:

Vehicle operators / drivers, including train / HGV / van / fork lift / bus
/ taxi drivers

Machine operatives

Routine inspectors and testers

Food, drink & tobacco process operatives

Tyre, exhaust & windscreen fitters
Sales & Customer
Service
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Sales and customer services occupations sell goods
and services, accept payment and replenish stocks, provide information to
potential clients and additional services to customers after the point of
sale.

Includes:

Sales assistants, sales supervisors

Customer care occupations

Call centre agents

Merchandisers & window dressers

Pharmacy & other dispensing assistants


(NOT THE FOLLOWING: Sales representatives)
Caring, Leisure &
Other Service
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Occupations that involve provision of service to
customers whether in a public protective or personal care capacity. Main
tasks involved usually include the care of sick, elderly and children and the
provision of travel care and hygiene services.

Includes:

Air / rail travel assistants

Beauticians, hairdressers & barbers

Ambulance staff (excluding paramedics)

Caretakers

Care assistants, nursery nurses / childminders
Skilled Trades
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: these require a substantial period of training. Main
tasks involve the performance of complex physical duties that normally
involve initiative, manual dexterity and other practical skills.

Includes:

Electricians, plumbers

Butchers, bakers, fishmongers

Vehicle technicians, mechanics & electricians

IT engineers

Florists

Chefs

ESS 2015
56
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED


(NOT THE FOLLOWING: science and engineering technicians)
Associate
Professional and
Technical
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Main tasks require experience and knowledge to
assist in supporting professionals or managers. Most will have relevant
high level vocational qualifications involving a substantial period of full
time training or further study.

Includes:

Accounting technicians

Health and safety officers

Human resources officers

Sales representatives, sales accounts managers, business sales
executives

Business development managers

Buyers, buying and purchasing officers

Graphic designers, photographers, writers

Estate agents, auctioneers

IT / science / engineering / lab technicians
Professional
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Occupations will usually require a degree or
equivalent formal qualification. Main tasks will involve practical application
of theoretical knowledge and increasing stock of knowledge through
communicating and teaching.

Includes:

Programmers, software development and IT professionals

Web design & development professionals

Accountants

Solicitors, lawyers

Economists

Business & financial project managers

Journalists, newspaper editors

Engineering professionals

Business and Other Services, Finance or Insurance

Example job roles
Managers, Directors
& Senior Officials
ADD IF NECESSARY: This categorisation covers occupations where main
tasks consist of direction and co-ordination of organisations and
businesses. This can include the management of internal departments /
sections.

Includes:

Direction and co-ordination of organisations and businesses

Management of internal departments and sections
Admin & secretarial
ADD IF NECESSARY: Occupations undertake general admin, clerical,
secretarial work and perform a variety of specialist client orientated clerical
duties. Most occupations will require a good standard of general education.

Including:

ESS 2015
57
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED


Secretaries, receptionists, PAs, telephonists

Book-keepers, credit controllers/wage clerks

Office assistants, office managers

Pension and insurance clerks

Database assistants

Legal secretaries

Library clerks & assistants
Elementary
occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Covers occupations that involve mostly routine tasks
usually involving use of simple hand held tools and in some cases physical
effort. Most do not require formal educational qualifications.

Includes:

Cleaners, security guards

Labourers

Kitchen/catering assistants

Postal workers, messengers, couriers

Launderers, dry cleaners & pressers
Process, plant &
machine operatives
ADD IF NECESSARY: Operate vehicles and other mobile and stationary
machinery, monitor industrial and plant equipment, or assemble products.
Most will not have a particular standard of education but will usually have
formal experience related training.

Includes:

Vehicle operators / drivers

Machine operatives

Routine inspectors & testers

Driving instructors
Sales & Customer
Service
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Sales and customer services occupations sell goods
and services, accept payment and replenish stocks, provide information to
potential clients and additional services to customers after the point of
sale.

Includes:

Sales assistants, sales managers

customer care occupations, customer service managers

Call centre agents, telephone salespersons

Market research interviewers


(NOT THE FOLLOWING: Sales representatives, buying and
purchasing officers, estate agents or auctioneers)
Caring, Leisure &
Other Service
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Occupations that involve provision of service to
customers whether in a public protective or personal care capacity. Main
tasks involved usually include the care of sick, elderly and children and the
provision of travel care and hygiene services.

Includes:

Caretakers

Care assistants, nursery nurses / childminders

Care workers and home carers

Hairdressers & barbers, beauticians
Skilled Trades
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: these require a substantial period of training. Main
tasks involve the performance of complex physical duties that normally
involve initiative, manual dexterity and other practical skills.

ESS 2015
58
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

Includes:

Electricians, electronic trades

Chefs, cooks

Catering and bar managers

Printers

TV engineers, IT engineers

Gardeners / groundsmen


(NOT THE FOLLOWING: science and engineering technicians)
Associate
Professional and
Technical
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Main tasks require experience and knowledge to
assist in supporting professionals or managers. Most will have relevant
high level vocational qualifications involving a substantial period of full
time training or further study.

Includes:

Human resources & industrial relations officers

Accounting technicians

Health and safety officers

Insurance underwriters

Investment analysts / advisors

Sales representatives

Sales account & business development managers, business sales
executives

Buyers, buying and purchasing officers

Writers / journalists

Graphic designers / artists / musicians

Estate agents, auctioneers

Conference / exhibition managers, organisers

IT / science / engineering / lab technicians
Professional
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Occupations will usually require a degree or
equivalent formal qualification. Main tasks will involve practical application
of theoretical knowledge and increasing stock of knowledge through
communicating and teaching.

Includes:

Programmers, software development and IT professionals

Web design & development professionals

Accountants

Solicitors, lawyers, barristers & judges

Economists

Management consultants & business analysts

Architects

Chartered / Quantity surveyors

Advertising accounts managers / creative directors

Engineering professionals

ESS 2015
59
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

Manufacturing, Construction or Agriculture

Example job roles
Managers,
Directors & Senior
Officials
ADD IF NECESSARY: This categorisation covers occupations where main
tasks consist of direction and co-ordination of organisations and
businesses. This can include the management of internal departments /
sections.

Includes:

Direction and co-ordination of organisations and businesses

Management of internal departments and sections
Admin &
secretarial
ADD IF NECESSARY: Occupations undertake general admin, clerical,
secretarial work and perform a variety of specialist client orientated clerical
duties. Most occupations will require a good standard of general education.

Including:

Secretaries, receptionists, PAs, telephonists

Book-keepers, credit controllers/wage clerks

Office managers

Database assistants, office assistants

Stock control clerks and assistants
Elementary
occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Covers occupations that involve mostly routine tasks
usually involving use of simple hand held tools and in some cases physical
effort. Most do not require formal educational qualifications.

Includes:

Cleaners, security guards

Labourers

Kitchen/catering assistants

Packers, goods handling

Storage staff

Farm / forestry / fishing workers
Process, plant &
machine
operatives
ADD IF NECESSARY: Operate vehicles and other mobile and stationary
machinery, monitor industrial and plant equipment, or assemble products.
Most will not have a particular standard of education but will usually have
formal experience related training.

Includes:

Vehicle operators / drivers

Machine operatives

HGV / van / fork lift drivers

Sorters, assemblers

Scaffolders / stagers / riggers

Routine inspectors / testers

Metal / plastics / rubber / wood / textile process operatives

Quarry workers
Sales & Customer
Service
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Sales and customer services occupations sell goods
and services, accept payment and replenish stocks, provide information to
potential clients and additional services to customers after the point of sale.

Includes:

Sales assistants, sales supervisors

Customer care occupations (including customer service managers

ESS 2015
60
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

and supervisors)

Call centre / contact centre occupations


(NOT THE FOLLOWING: Sales representatives)
Caring, Leisure &
Other Service
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Occupations that involve provision of service to
customers whether in a public protective or personal care capacity. Main
tasks involved usually include the care of sick, elderly and children and the
provision of travel care and hygiene services.

Includes:

Caretakers

Care assistants, nursery nurses / childminders

Animal care services

Veterinary nurses
Skilled Trades
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: these require a substantial period of training. Main
tasks involve the performance of complex physical duties that normally
involve initiative, manual dexterity and other practical skills.

Includes:

Electricians, electrical trades

Plumbers, heating & ventilating engineers

Printers

Farmers

Carpenters, furniture makers

Mechanics

Machine setters / tool makers

Painters & decorators

Plasterers, roofers, glaziers

Bricklayers and masons

Metal working production and maintenance fitters

Welding trades

Gardeners / landscape gardeners


(NOT THE FOLLOWING: science and engineering technicians)
Associate
Professional and
Technical
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Main tasks require experience and knowledge to assist
in supporting professionals or managers. Most will have relevant high level
vocational qualifications involving a substantial period of full time training
or further study.

Includes:

Science and engineering technicians

IT technicians, lab technicians

Accounting technicians

Human resources officers

Health and safety officers

Sales representatives, sales accounts managers, business sales
executives

Business development managers

Draughtspersons

Building & civil engineering technicians

Estimators, valuers & assessors

Product designers
Professional
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Occupations will usually require a degree or equivalent
formal qualification. Main tasks will involve practical application of
theoretical knowledge and increasing stock of knowledge through

ESS 2015
61
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

communicating and teaching.

Includes:

Software and IT professionals

Accountants

Solicitors, lawyers

Economists

Professional engineers

Chemists

Scientific researchers

Architects

Quality control & planning engineers

Construction project managers

Quantity / Chartered surveyors

Programmers & software developers

Hospitality, Catering or Leisure Services

Example job roles
Managers,
Directors & Senior
Officials
ADD IF NECESSARY: This categorisation covers occupations where main
tasks consist of direction and co-ordination of organisations and
businesses. This can include the management of internal departments /
sections.

Includes:

Direction and co-ordination of organisations and businesses

Management of internal departments and sections
Admin &
secretarial
ADD IF NECESSARY: Occupations undertake general admin, clerical,
secretarial work and perform a variety of specialist client orientated clerical
duties. Most occupations will require a good standard of general education.

Including:

Secretaries, receptionists, PAs, telephonists

Book-keepers, credit controllers/wage clerks

Office assistants, office managers

Database assistants
Elementary
occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Covers occupations that involve mostly routine tasks
usually involving use of simple hand held tools and in some cases physical
effort. Most do not require formal educational qualifications.

Includes:

Cleaners, security guards

Labourers

Kitchen/catering assistants,

Bar staff, waiters & waitresses

Dry cleaners, launderers

Leisure & theme park attendants
Process, plant &
ADD IF NECESSARY: Operate vehicles and other mobile and stationary
machinery, monitor industrial and plant equipment, or assemble products.
Most will not have a particular standard of education but will usually have

ESS 2015
62
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

machine operatives
formal experience related training.

Includes:

Vehicle operators / drivers, including HGV / van / fork-lift drivers

Machine operatives

Food, drink & tobacco process operatives
Sales & Customer
Service
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Sales and customer services occupations sell goods
and services, accept payment and replenish stocks, provide information to
potential clients and additional services to customers after the point of sale.

Includes:

Sales assistants, retail cashiers

Sales / customer service managers

Customer care occupations

Telesales, call centre agents


(NOT THE FOLLOWING: Sales representatives)
Caring, Leisure &
Other Service
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Occupations that involve provision of service to
customers whether in a public protective or personal care capacity. Main
tasks involved usually include the care of sick, elderly and children and the
provision of travel care and hygiene services.

Includes:

Travel agents, travel assistants

Sport and leisure assistants

Hairdressers and beauticians

Care assistants, nursery nurses / childminders

Housekeepers, caretakers
Skilled Trades
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: these require a substantial period of training. Main
tasks involve the performance of complex physical duties that normally
involve initiative, manual dexterity and other practical skills.

Includes:

Chefs, cooks

Catering and bar managers

Butchers, bakers

Gardeners / landscape gardeners

Groundsmen & greenkeepers

Electricians, plumbers, printers


(NOT THE FOLLOWING: Science and engineering technicians)
Associate
Professional and
Technical
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Main tasks require experience and knowledge to assist
in supporting professionals or managers. Most will have relevant high level
vocational qualifications involving a substantial period of full time training
or further study.

Includes:

Sales representatives, sales accounts managers

Fitness instructors, sports coaches, instructors and officials

Conference & exhibition managers & organisers

Buying and purchasing officers

Human resources officers

Accounting technicians

Health and safety officers

ESS 2015
63
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED


IT / science / lab technicians
Professional
Occupations
IF NECESSARY: Occupations will usually require a degree or equivalent
formal qualification. Main tasks will involve practical application of
theoretical knowledge and increasing stock of knowledge through
communicating and teaching.

Includes:

Therapy professionals, nurses

Programmers, software development and IT professionals

Web design & development professionals

Accountants, economists

Solicitors, lawyers

Health or Social Care

Example job roles
Managers,
Directors & Senior
Officials
ADD IF NECESSARY: This categorisation covers occupations where main
tasks consist of direction and co-ordination of organisations and
businesses. This can include the management of internal departments /
sections.

Includes:

Direction and co-ordination of organisations and businesses

Management of internal departments and sections
Admin &
secretarial
ADD IF NECESSARY: Occupations undertake general admin, clerical,
secretarial work and perform a variety of specialist client orientated clerical
duties. Most occupations will require a good standard of general education.

Including:

Secretaries, receptionists, PAs, telephonists

Book-keepers, credit controllers/wage clerks

Office assistants, office managers

Database assistants
Elementary
occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Covers occupations that involve mostly routine tasks
usually involving use of simple hand held tools and in some cases physical
effort. Most do not require formal educational qualifications.

Includes:

Cleaners, security guards

Kitchen/catering assistants

Launderers, dry cleaners & pressers

Hospital porters
Process, plant &
machine operatives
IF NECESSARY: Operate vehicles and other mobile and stationary
machinery, monitor industrial and plant equipment, or assemble products.
Most will not have a particular standard of education but will usually have
formal experience related training.

Includes:

Vehicle operators / drivers

ESS 2015
64
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED


Machine operatives
Sales & Customer
Service
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Sales and customer services occupations sell goods
and services, accept payment and replenish stocks, provide information to
potential clients and additional services to customers after the point of sale.

Includes:

Sales assistants, sales supervisors

Call centre agents

Customer care occupations
Caring, Leisure &
Other Service
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Occupations that involve provision of service to
customers whether in a public protective or personal care capacity. Main
tasks involved usually include the care of sick, elderly and children and the
provision of travel care and hygiene services.

Includes:

Care assistants, nursery nurses / childminders

Housekeepers, caretakers

Home carers

Ambulance staff

Teaching assistants

Dental / veterinary nurses

Nursing auxiliaries and assistants

Houseparents & residential wardens


(NOT THE FOLLOWING: Professional medical nurses, midwives,
physiotherapists and social workers or paramedics)
Skilled Trades
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: these require a substantial period of training. Main
tasks involve the performance of complex physical duties that normally
involve initiative, manual dexterity and other practical skills.

Includes:

Chefs, cooks

Catering managers

Gardeners, landscape gardeners, groundsmen & greenkeepers
Associate
Professional and
Technical
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Main tasks require experience and knowledge to assist
in supporting professionals or managers. Most will have relevant high level
vocational qualifications involving a substantial period of full time training
or further study.

Includes:

Paramedics

Youth and Community workers

Human resources officers

Sports coaches, instructors & officials

Medical & dental technicians

Pharmaceutical technicians

Accounting technicians

Health and safety officers

IT / science / engineering / lab technicians
Professional
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Occupations will usually require a degree or equivalent
formal qualification. Main tasks will involve practical application of
theoretical knowledge and increasing stock of knowledge through
communicating and teaching.

Includes:

ESS 2015
65
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED


Doctors, nurses, midwives

Psychologists

Social workers

Occupational therapists

Medical practitioners

Speech and language therapists

Pharmacists

Veterinarians

Dental practitioners

Software and IT professionals

Accountants, solicitors, lawyers

Public Sector or Education

Example job roles
Managers,
Directors & Senior
Officials
ADD IF NECESSARY: This categorisation covers occupations where main
tasks consist of direction and co-ordination of organisations and
businesses. This can include the management of internal departments /
sections.

Includes:

Direction and co-ordination of organisations and businesses

Management of internal departments and sections
Admin &
secretarial
ADD IF NECESSARY: Occupations undertake general admin, clerical,
secretarial work and perform a variety of specialist client orientated clerical
duties. Most occupations will require a good standard of general education.

Including:

Secretaries, receptionists, PAs, telephonists

Book-keepers, credit controllers/wage clerks

Local government officers, civil service officers

Office managers, office supervisors, office assistants

Library assistants, database assistants

HR administrators

Library clerks and assistants
Elementary
occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Covers occupations that involve mostly routine tasks
usually involving use of simple hand held tools and in some cases physical
effort. Most do not require formal educational qualifications.

Includes:

Cleaners, security guards

Labourers

Kitchen/catering assistants

Road sweepers, traffic wardens

School midday and crossing patrol occupations
Process, plant &
machine
operatives
ADD IF NECESSARY: Operate vehicles and other mobile and stationary
machinery, monitor industrial and plant equipment, or assemble products.
Most will not have a particular standard of education but will usually have
formal experience related training.

ESS 2015
66
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED

Includes:

Vehicle operators / drivers

Machine operatives
Sales & Customer
Service
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Sales and customer services occupations sell goods
and services, accept payment and replenish stocks, provide information to
potential clients and additional services to customers after the point of sale.

Includes:

Customer service managers, call centre agents

Customer care occupations

Sales / retail assistants, sales supervisors
Caring, Leisure &
Other Service
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Occupations that involve provision of service to
customers whether in a public protective or personal care capacity. Main
tasks involved usually include the care of sick, elderly and children and the
provision of travel care and hygiene services.

Includes:

Caretakers, housekeepers

Care workers, home carers

Educational support assistants

Nursery nurses and assistants

Teaching assistants

Pest control officers

Animal care occupations

Sport and leisure assistants


(NOT THE FOLLOWING: social workers, youth workers, welfare
officers)
Skilled Trades
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: these require a substantial period of training. Main
tasks involve the performance of complex physical duties that normally
involve initiative, manual dexterity and other practical skills.

Includes:

Electricians, plumbers

Chefs, cooks

Printers

Gardeners & landscape gardeners

Groundsmen and greenkeepers

IT engineers

Construction and building trades


(NOT THE FOLLOWING: science and engineering technicians)
Associate
Professional and
Technical
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Main tasks require experience and knowledge to assist
in supporting professionals or managers. Most will have relevant high level
vocational qualifications involving a substantial period of full time training
or further study.

Includes:

Accounting technicians

Human resources officers

Health and safety officers

Junior police/fire/prison officers

Community workers

Careers advisors

Welfare / Housing officers

Youth and community workers

ESS 2015
67
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED


Vocational / Industrial trainers and instructors

IT / science / engineering / lab technicians
Professional
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Occupations will usually require a degree or equivalent
formal qualification. Main tasks will involve practical application of
theoretical knowledge and increasing stock of knowledge through
communicating and teaching.

Includes:

Programmers, software development and IT professionals

Web design & development professionals

Accountants

Solicitors, lawyers, barristers & judges

Economists

Teachers

Social workers

Librarians

Engineers

Occupational therapists

Writers/journalists

None of the above / Other

Example job roles
Managers,
Directors & Senior
Officials
ADD IF NECESSARY: This categorisation covers occupations where main
tasks consist of direction and co-ordination of organisations and
businesses. This can include the management of internal departments /
sections.

Includes:

Direction and co-ordination of organisations and businesses

Management of internal departments and sections
Admin &
secretarial
ADD IF NECESSARY: Occupations undertake general admin, clerical,
secretarial work and perform a variety of specialist client orientated clerical
duties. Most occupations will require a good standard of general education.

Including:

Secretaries, receptionists, PAs, telephonists

Book-keepers, credit controllers/wage clerks

Office assistants, office managers

Local government officers

HR administrators
Elementary
occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Covers occupations that involve mostly routine tasks
usually involving use of simple hand held tools and in some cases physical
effort. Most do not require formal educational qualifications.

Includes:

Cleaners

Packers, goods handling / storage

Kitchen/catering assistants

Waiting staff, bar staff

ESS 2015
68
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED


Security guards

Launderers, dry cleaners & pressers

Farm / forestry / fishing workers

Postal workers, messengers & couriers
Process, plant &
machine operatives
ADD IF NECESSARY: Operate vehicles and other mobile and stationary
machinery, monitor industrial and plant equipment, or assemble products.
Most will not have a particular standard of education but will usually have
formal experience related training.

Includes:

Vehicle operators / drivers

Machine operatives

Assemblers and sorters

Quarry workers

Scaffolders
Sales & Customer
Service
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Sales and customer services occupations sell goods
and services, accept payment and replenish stocks, provide information to
potential clients and additional services to customers after the point of sale.

Includes:

Sales assistants, sales managers / supervisors

Call centre agents, telesales

Customer care occupations, customer service managers /
supervisors


(NOT THE FOLLOWING: Sales representatives)
Caring, Leisure &
Other Service
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Occupations that involve provision of service to
customers whether in a public protective or personal care capacity. Main
tasks involved usually include the care of sick, elderly and children and the
provision of travel care and hygiene services.

Includes:

Care assistants, nursery nurses / childminders

Housekeepers, caretakers

Travel agents / assistants

Hairdressers and beauticians

Educational support assistants

Animal care services

Air / rail travel assistants


(NOT THE FOLLOWING: Professional medical nurses, social workers
or paramedics)
Skilled Trades
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: these require a substantial period of training. Main
tasks involve the performance of complex physical duties that normally
involve initiative, manual dexterity and other practical skills.

Includes:

Electricians, plumbers, carpenters

IT engineers, TV engineers

Mechanics

Chefs, cooks, butchers, bakers

Catering and bar managers

Gardeners / groundsmen, florists

Construction and building trades

ESS 2015
69
5440 ESS 2015 Mainstage Questionnaire IFF Controlled V04.00
Security: CONTROLLED


(NOT THE FOLLOWING: science and engineering technicians)
Associate
Professional and
Technical
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Main tasks require experience and knowledge to assist
in supporting professionals or managers. Most will have relevant high level
vocational qualifications involving a substantial period of full time training
or further study.

Includes:

Human resources officers

Accounting technicians

Health and safety officers

Sales representatives, accounts managers

Estate agents, auctioneers

Conference / exhibition managers, organisers

Sports coaches, instructors & officials

Product designers, graphic designers

IT / science / engineering / lab technicians
Professional
Occupations
ADD IF NECESSARY: Occupations will usually require a degree or
equivalent formal qualification. Main tasks will involve practical application
of theoretical knowledge and increasing stock of knowledge through
communicating and teaching.

Includes:

Programmers, software development and IT professionals

Doctors, nurses, midwives

Solicitors, lawyers, accountants

Social workers

Teachers

Management consultants & business analysts

Engineering professionals

Construction project managers

Journalists, newspaper editors