6,000 businesses were interviewed for the employer survey and 6,000 individuals were interviewed for the household survey. As with the 1998 survey, all respondents had the opportunity to be interviewed in Welsh and all correspondence was bilingual.
An advance letter was sent to all selected households, explaining the purpose of the study and what would be involved for participants. During the Employer Survey, a fax was sent where required to provide more information and to help employers answer some of the more detailed questions in advance.
Both the employer and household surveys used random sampling. The Employer Survey sample included companies of all sizes, as well as different industry sectors and locations across Wales. The Household Survey included a random sample of individuals of working age only (i.e. 16-59 years for women and 16-64 years for men); everyone in Wales of working age had an equal chance of selection.
The samples were also designed to allow reliable results to be provided at the following levels: National, Regional, Objective 1 and 3 Regional, and Unitary Authority (UA) area. However, sample sizes for some issues were too small to provide information at a UA and occasionally a regional level.
The questionnaires were designed in such a way as to provide answers which will be comparable to each other. The analysis is therefore able to link the views of employers and individuals. The results of the surveys have been fed into econometric forecasting models in a subsequent exercise.
In terms of comparing the findings from the new survey with the 1998 findings, a balance has been struck between continuity and comparability and ensuring that the survey provides the information we need for the future. While comparability is important for identifying and tracking change and confirming the 1998 survey findings, the more general usefulness of the questions included in the 2003 questionnaire has been given priority. In addition, the random sampling technique used for the household survey will provide more reliable data than the previous quota methodology.
Below under 'Associated Material' you will find the employer questionnaire, household survey and technical report
This area is a comprehensive source of FSW information which includes key findings in relation to issues such as industry sector, occupation and work status.
Tables and charts showing some of the key results of the FSW 2003 Generic Skills Survey are available on the Welsh Assembly Government's StatsWales website. To enter the results, open files 'Economy and Labour Market', 'Skills', and then 'Future Skills Wales'.
