The "reference week'' for the survey is August 1 to 7. During that week, Government wants to determine among other things, how many people companies employ and how many hours they work.

Thousands of forms were about to be sent out in the mail, Labour and Home Affairs Minister the Hon. Irving Pearman said in a news release.

"I'd like to remind employers of the need to complete these forms as accurately as possible,'' Mr. Pearman said. "This is an important report at the best of times, but it is going to be especially important this year, as we look at the changes which have occurred since last year.'' All employers and self-employed people were required to complete the forms, whether they received them in the mail or not. Anyone who did not receive the forms by early August was advised to contact the Manpower Office.

A Manpower Survey office is set up on the first floor of the Government Administration Building. The telephone number is 297-7738.