Changes in PLFS schedule and estimation procedure from January 2027 - inviting comments thereon

The National Statistics Office proposes changes to the Periodic Labour Force Survey sampling design and schedule from January 2027, including a dedicated stratum for digital platform workers.

• New sampling frame for Panel 6 (2027-2028) will incorporate updated Urban Frame Survey, Census 2011 rural frame, and district boundary changes.
• A dedicated Second Stage Stratum for digital platform workers will be introduced, with 14 households canvassed per selected First Stage Unit.
• A transition period in the first three months of 2027 will use samples from both Panel 5 and Panel 6 frames with pooled estimates.
• New questions to identify digital platform workers and measure unpaid activities will be added to Schedules 0.0PL and 10.4.
• Comments on the proposed modifications are invited within 15 days of publication.