The Government is addressing a "data gap" in employment statistics by launching its first comprehensive survey of the Island's workforce.

The 2009 Labour Force Survey is a joint venture between the Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing and the Department of Statistics, and aims to provide up-to-date information on Bermuda's job market in order to address issues like unemployment and underemployment.

Telephone interviewers from the Department of Statistics are now contacting 1,500 households chosen at random from a pool of 6,000.

Interviewers will ascertain whether or not people of working age in each household are currently employed, seeking work, or working more than one job, among other related questions.

Acting chief statistician Steven Holdipp said that results of the survey would fill a five-year "data gap", as employment figures currently in use are from research carried out in 2004, long before the current economic downturn.

Households selected to participate in the survey can also take advantage of the Department of e-Government's new online scheduling system to book an interview time at www.statistics.gov.bm. Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing David Burch held a press conference on Wednesday urging the public to cooperate with survey interviewers when they call.

He added that participation in the Labour Force Survey is required by law.