This page provides summary information about the Census and about Census job vacancies.
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Every ten years the Office for National Statistics (ONS) carries out a census to find out more about the people who live in England and Wales, and about the make-up of local neighbourhoods. The next census will take place on Sunday 27 March 2011, when ONS will be sending out questionnaires for around 25 million households to complete. The census asks about work, health, national identity, citizenship, ethnic background, education, second homes, language, religion, marital status and so on. These statistics are then used to build a picture of today's society. |
Why should this matter?
Like all local authorities in England and Wales, Swale Borough Council relies on census population statistics to get the government funding we need for public services. How much we get is directly related to how many and what kind of people the census says live in our area. So even if the census were to end up just a few households short, it could make a very real difference to people's lives. The census needs to include everyone, everywhere - and that's why everyone has to take part.
What do you need to do?
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Simple. Just answer a few questions about yourself and the people who share your household with you on census day. Everything you tell the census is in strictest confidence and will only be used to produce statistics. ONS will not share your personal information with any other government department or organisation. You can do it online. You can do it by post. But you must do it. So get your questionnaire back as soon as possible after census. The census needs everyone to take part in helping tomorrow take shape - and this is your chance to make a difference. For more information, visit www.census.gov.uk |
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Job opportunities
The 2011 Census will offer a wide range of employment opportunities, all of which will offer a range of benefits. Currently they are recruiting for a number of Area Manager posts nationwide. In the near future they will also be recruiting for staff at a variety of levels.
For further information about Census jobs please visit www.censusjobs.co.uk
What is the census?
The census is an estimate of all the people living in the UK. It takes place every 10 years and asks everyone the same questions on the same day to give a complete picture of the nation. This information is used to estimate the likely number of people and households in each area for the next 10 years.
When does the Census happen?
The next census is planned for 27 March 2011.
Who carries out the census?
In England and Wales the census is planned and carried out by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). ONS produces a wide range of regular, high quality, professional statistics.
Elsewhere in the UK, responsibility lies with the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency and the General Register Office for Scotland.
If you have any questions about local preparations for the 2011 Census, please email tonystewart@swale.gov.uk (Swale Borough Council) or telephone 01795 417249.
Why do we have a census?
The census tells us how many people live in the UK and what types of services they need now and are likely to need in the future. It helps the Government and your local council to allocate funds, decide future policy and plan important services such as transport, housing, health and schools.
Why is it important?
The amount of money that councils have to spend on services for the next 10 years will be based on the number and type of people living in the local area.
If everyone does not complete a census form the results won't show complete information about local communities and a council might not get all the funding it needs.
What does the census tell us?
The census asks everyone the same questions at the same time to produce a unique set of facts and figures about the UK.
It tells us about:
- Population - to help central government decide how much funding it needs to give to each local and health authority. The authorities then use census data to plan the services within their local areas.
- Health and disability - to help plan services and put policies in place to ensure people with disabilities are treated equally.
- Housing - to allow central government and local authorities to assess the quality of housing and plan to meet future needs.
- Employment - by showing how many people work in different occupations and industries to help plan jobs and training policies.
- Ethnic group - to help central government allocate resources and monitor policies to ensure that all groups are treated equally.
- Transport - to help understand the pressures on our transport systems and improve planning for roads and public transport.
How did the census start?
The first census in 1801 took place because the Government was worried that the country's supply of food may not be enough to feed the growing population. It asked five questions and the results showed 10 million people livingin two million households.
By comparison the last census, held in 2001, asked 40 questions. The results showed there were almost 60 million people and approximately 24 million households.