Every ten years the Office for National Statistics (ONS) carries
out a census to find out more about the people who live in England
and Wales, and about the make-up of local neighbourhoods. The next
census will take place on Sunday 27 March 2011, when ONS will be
sending out questionnaires for around 25 million households to
complete.
The census asks about work, health, national identity,
citizenship, ethnic background, education, second homes, language,
religion, marital status and so on. These statistics are then used
to build a picture of today's society.
Why should this matter?
Like all local authorities in England and Wales, South Somerset
District Council relies on census population statistics to get the
government funding we need for public services. How much we get is
directly related to how many and what kind of people the census
says live in our area. So even if the census were to end up just a
few households short, it could make a very real difference to
people's lives. The census needs to include everyone, everywhere -
and that's why everyone has to take part.
What do you need to do?
Simple. Just answer a few questions about yourself and the people
who share your household with you on census day. Everything you
tell the census is in strictest confidence and will only be used to
produce statistics. ONS will not share your personal information
with any other government department or organisation.
You can do it online. You can do it by post. But you must do it.
So get your questionnaire back as soon as possible after
census.
The census needs everyone to take part in helping tomorrow take
shape - and this is your chance to make a difference.
For more information, visit www.census.gov.uk.
Work for us
Around 35,000 census field staff will be recruited across England
and Wales.
2011 Census staff will be employed directly by the Office for
National Statistics (ONS), with ONS contractor, Capita, running
recruitment, training and payroll services.
If you're interested in working for the 2011 Census, you can apply
for current jobs online and register your interest in other roles
at www.censusjobs.co.uk