The CSO Data Standard for Full-time or Part-time Employment Status (Self-defined) is appropriate for use in social surveys as it is determined through the individual’s own self perception of their employment status.
Full-time or part-time employment refers to the main job of a person in employment. The distinction between full-time or part-time employment should be based on the respondent's own perception referring to the usual hours worked in the main job. The term job is used in reference to employment. A job is a set of tasks and duties performed for a single economic unit. Persons may have one or several jobs. For employees, each contract can be considered as a separate set of tasks and duties, and consequently as a separate job. Those in self-employment will have as many jobs as the economic units they own or co-own, irrespective of the number of clients served.
In cases of multiple job-holdings, the main job is that with the longest hours usually worked, as defined by the International Labour Organisation.
Set of tasks and duties performed, or meant to be performed, by one person for a single economic unit.
This harmonised standard presents guidance on how full-time or part-time employment can be defined, measured and presented in a more consistent manner.
Data on full-time or part-time employment shows how individuals perceive their employment type, which is important for Government in making data-driven decisions to meet the needs of the public.
Many data collections require information on full-time/part-time employment status of individuals. When collecting data on this topic, either of the following questions are recommended:
The standard questions on this topic are designed to collect information, for use in the majority of surveys or data collections. However, it is not intended to replace questions already in use for specialist surveys where more detailed analysis is required.
The following list of response options represents the basic level of detail that the CSO recommends should be gathered in data collection.
| Standard Response Options and Codes for Full-time or Part-time Employment Status (Self-defined) | |
| 10 | Full-time |
| 20 | Part-time |
The standard response options and standard reference classification provided are based on recommended categories of EuroStat’s Integrated European Social Statistics (IESS) framework, which aims to ensure that social statistics are produced in a more harmonised and coordinated manner across Europe.
| Description of Standard Response Options of Full-time or Part-time Employment Status (Self-defined) | |
| Full-time | An individual who is employed or self-employed on a full-time basis. |
| Part-time | An individual who works less hours to that of a comparable full-time worker.
Part-time agency workers can only compare themselves to comparable full-time agency workers. They cannot compare themselves to full-time permanent workers. A casual worker is a part-time worker who works on a casual basis. A casual worker has less than 13 continuous weeks’ service, is not in regular or seasonal employment, or is casual based on a collective agreement. Casual workers are normally on standby to do work as required without fixed hours or attendance arrangements. Job sharers are viewed as part-time workers. |
If the respondent has multiple jobs, the main job is the one where the respondent usually works the most hours.
| Standard Reference Classification for Full-time or Part-time Employment Status (Self-defined) | |
| 10 | Full-time |
| 20 | Part-time |
| 99 | Not applicable |
If more detailed breakdowns are required, please consult classifications@cso.ie
Taking an existing classification with customised codes and descriptors, we can migrate to the harmonised standard with common codes and descriptors through a mapping exercise based on the standard reference classification.
| Concept name | Full-time or Part-time Employment Status (Self-defined) |
| Variable name | FTPT_CSO |
| Format type | Character code |
| Guideline Version | 1.0 |
| Guideline Release date | 28 June 2024 |
| Valid to | 28 June 2027 |
| Owner | Central Statistics Office (CSO) Classification Standardisation Team |
| Audience | Policy makers, system developers and producers or users of statistics |
| Contact | classifications@cso.ie |
This data standard will be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it remains current and aligned with any changes in regulations or best practices. The validation period for this standard is three years.
We are always interested in hearing from users so that we can develop our work.