2011 Census creates 35,000 temporary jobs

• Recruitment campaign for 2011 Census launched across England and Wales
• Thousands of temporary jobs available
• Opportunities created within local communities

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has launched a national recruitment campaign to fill 35,000 jobs across England and Wales. A range of full and part time temporary positions are available to help carry out the next census which will take place on 27 March 2011. Full application details are available via www.censusjobs.co.uk and also at local job and community centres.

Working within the local community, census recruits will engage with a wide range of people and organisations. They will provide important help and support to make sure everyone in the area can complete and return their census questionnaire.

Available roles include; census coordinators, who will help to manage local teams; census collectors, who will provide help and support on the doorstep; and special enumerators, who will be responsible for communal establishments including care homes, hotels and student halls of residence.

ONS Census Director Glen Watson said: "I am pleased to announce the start of our campaign to recruit 35,000 people across England and Wales for the 2011 Census.

"The census is not just about counting people, the information it provides is needed to plan vital services like schools, hospitals, housing, roads and emergency services.

"The 2011 Census is less than six months away. We need to give people help and support to complete and return the census questionnaire and this means recruiting the right people for this important nationwide project."

To support the launch, a downloadable collection of the faces behind the census is available at www.census.gov.uk/2011press.  It features case studies of workers from across the 2011 Census workforce and the organisations that use census data to provide services to communities.

Estimated number of census co-ordinator, collector and special enumerator jobs by region:

Additional roles will be available in 2011 and in total ONS will be recruiting for an estimated 35000 jobs. 

About the census

1. The census provides an estimate of the population of England and Wales and is carried out every ten years by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The information given is confidential and is protected by law.
2. The statistics derived from the census underpin the allocation of important funding for necessary services like education, transport and health. They are also used by policy makers in central and local government to identify and understand the needs of communities.
3. In March 2011 each household in England and Wales will receive a questionnaire through the post.  The questionnaires can then be completed and returned by post or using the new secure online questionnaire.
4. ONS is responsible for carrying out the census in England and Wales.
5. National Statistics are produced to high professional standards set out in the Code of Practice for official statistics. They undergo regular quality assurance reviews to ensure that they meet customer needs. They are produced free from any political interference. © Crown copyright 2010