HC Deb 23 March 1981 vol 1 cc221-2W
Mr. Heddle

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the purpose of the 1981 survey of employers' labour costs.

Mr. Waddington

The 1981 labour costs survey is part of a triennial pattern of surveys carried out in all member countries of the European Community under a regulation of the Council. It seeks to measure all forms of labour costs—not just wages and salaries but also statutory payments such as national insurance and voluntary payments such as superannuation costs. The proportion of costs other than wages and salaries is of growing importance in this country and very substantial in a number of other Community countries. The survey also measures hours worked and training expenditure.

The survey provides a minimum amount of information on labour costs analysed by industry, size of firm and region which is comparable in all member countries. It can affect the money received by the United Kingdom from Community funds—for example, in connection with the social and regional funds.

Mr. Heddle

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many civil servants are attached to the statistics division A3 of his Department; and if he will list the other statistical surveys being carried out by his Department apart from the survey of employers' labour costs.

Mr. Waddington

As at 1 March 1981 statistics division A3 comprised seven staff, with about one third of their time devoted to the labour costs survey.

The regular statistical surveys carried out by the Department—(apart from the labour costs survey)—are as follows:

  • Employment
    • Census of Employment (next due in October 1981)
    • Monthly and quarterly employment returns
  • Earnings
    • New Earnings Survey (April)
    • Monthly wages and salaries inquiry
    • Annual survey of earnings in manual occupations in selected industries (June)
    • Annual survey of the earnings and hours of manual workers (October)
    • Annual survey of the earnings of non-manual workers (October)
  • Prices
    • Postal inquiries for the retail prices index

The Department of Employment statistical services have recently been reviewed as part of the general review of Government statistical services conducted by Sir Derek Rayner, and a statement of proposals will be issued shortly.

Mr. Heddle

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give an estimate of the cost of preparing and producing the 1981 survey of employers' labour costs; and if he is satisfied that the survey is a productive use of Government manpower.

Mr. Waddington

The total cost of the 1981 survey of employers' labour costs, from initial planning stage to the production of analyses for Community and national purposes, is estimated to be around £170,000 at 1980 prices, about half of which is likely to be reimbursed from Community funds.

The survey ensures that there is a minimum amount of information on labour costs, hours worked and training expenditure comparable to that of other member countries of the European Community, so that the United Kingdom can argue cogently, for example, when it applies for selective aid from the Community budget or seeks to further other policies through the Community.

Mr. Heddle

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many organisations were asked to prepare figures for the 1980 survey of employers' labour costs; how many have provided relevant statistics; and what conclusions the survey has established.

Mr. Waddington

There was no survey of employers' labour costs in 1980. Such surveys are only carried out triennially, the last to be completed being that for 1978.

Mr. Heddle

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many organisations have been asked to prepare figures for the 1981 survey of employers' labour costs; how many have already replied; and how many indicated in their replies that they question the value of such a survey.

Mr. Waddington

Copies of the specimen questionnaire for the 1981 survey of labour costs were issued to just over 12,300 organisations in Great Britain; a reduction compared with the sample of nearly 13,000 in 1978 and over 17,500 in 1975. Replies are not required until the action copies of the questionnaires are issued at the end of 1981. Eighteen letters have been received querying the value of the survey.