VICTORIA, Seychelles — Labour Force Survey training commenced yesterday at the Bahai Centre, Bel Air, as the National Bureau of Statistics conducted a refresher session for enumerators. Around 85 part-time data collectors attended the programme, which prepares field staff for the upcoming survey period. Senior statistician in the Social Statistics Section, Tania Pouponneau, explained that the Labour Force Survey is a household-based sample survey conducted by NBS to study the labour market situation of the working-age population aged 18 years and above.
The Labour Force Survey provides essential data that shapes national employment policy, social programmes, and economic planning. For ordinary Seychellois, accurate labour market statistics ensure that government initiatives respond to actual conditions regarding employment duration, education levels, and workforce composition. The survey helps ministries tailor programmes to meet the real needs of individuals and families across the archipelago.
The Labour Force Survey is administered through face-to-face interviews using tablets provided by NBS. Different organisations rely on Labour Force Survey data, including the Ministry of Employment. The survey collects information on employment duration, education levels, and other demographic factors that help the ministry tailor programmes to meet needs. Ms Pouponneau noted an increase in applications to become part-time data collectors, indicating growing public engagement with statistical work.
The National Bureau of Statistics has conducted similar surveys for years, building institutional capacity for data collection and analysis. The refresher training ensures that enumerators maintain consistent standards and understand current protocols. The survey excludes institutional dwellings such as hospitals, military barracks, and boarding schools, focusing instead on representative households across Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue.
If household members are not present during visits, enumerators leave a call-back slip with their contact details. Ms Pouponneau advised households to cooperate with data collectors, noting that all information gathered remains confidential and is aggregated for statistical purposes only. The training covered proper interview techniques, tablet use, and protocols for handling non-response or incomplete data.
The survey results will inform evidence-based policy decisions throughout 2026.
📷 Image source: Ministry of Social Affairs — socialaffairs.gov.sc
