Labour Force Survey Data (LFS)
The Labour Force Survey, which is carried out on the basis of common definitions, classifications and a uniform list of variables, is a regularly conducted sample survey (legal basis: Council Regulations No 577/1998 and No 1575/2000) provides a unique source of information for comparable European data on the labour market.
The LFS records demographic, social and economic variables for the employed, unemployed and inactive population. The LFS data tables included in the Eurostat online database merely represent a small albeit important part of the total LFS data available. The entire LFS data pool can however be accessed. All users can order a LFS ad-hoc extraction using one of our order forms (see below). Research institutes and universities can also gain access to LFS microdatafiles.
Ad-hoc extractions
The best option is to fill in one of our LFS order forms, if you wish to order an ad-hoc extract from the LFS database. As soon as we receive your request and have checked it, we then pass it on to the department responsible for such extractions at Eurostat in Luxembourg. We will then inform you as soon as your data arrives. Ad-hoc extractions are offered in csv format and are provided free of charge. Before you order any LFS data, we would kindly ask you to read the following information about LFS data availability.
Information about LFS data availability
| 1983-1991 | Annual data for the 10 EG member states up until 1985 and for the 12 EG Member States from 1996 onwards. Unfortunately no data is available for the Netherlands for the years 1984 and 1986. |
| 1992 | New survey design with revised variables. |
| since 1995 | Annual data for the 15 EU Member States. Exception: Swedish data available from 1996 onwards. Data also available for the EFTA states Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway. |
| since 1996 | Data available for Hungary. |
| since 1997 | Data available for Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland and Slovenia. |
| 1998 | Second revision of the list of variables. |
| since 1998 | Data available for Latvia, Lithuania and Romania. |
| since 1999 | Data available for Cyprus and the Slovak Republic. |
| since 2000 | Data available for Bulgaria. |
| since 2001 | Data available for Malta. |
Up until 1997 most countries only compiled Labour Force Survey data in the 2nd quarter of each year. The results for the 2nd quarter were then treated as annual results. 1998 saw the beginning of a transition period during which all participating countries are to establish a continous survey that provides annual and quarterly results. Up until now Romania, Bulgaria, Norway and 24 of the 25 EU Member States (exception: Germany) have switched to quarterly surveys. This transition was only recently implemented in France (2003), Luxembourg (2004) and Cyprus (2004).
The European Labour Force Survey has been carried out since 1983. The set of variables has since been extended on two occasions (1992 and 1998). This means that some data is available from 1983 onwards, whereas other indicators are only available from 1992 or 1998 onwards. In particular, data broken down by level of education or by occupation is only available from 1992/1993 onwards.Please note that the order forms for LFS data clearly indicate he availability of all indicators.
Important advice for users wishing to order Labour Force Survey data
Order form (Labour Force Survey)
Basic Labour Force Survey definitions
Information about the comparability of Labour Force Survey results
