Definition: Main activity status

Category: Social statistics

Harmonisation of recommended core units, variables and classifications, 2000 Edition:
The following groups of main activity status are in use in the LFS, based on the respondent's self-perception:
 - 1. Employed. Carries out a job or a profession, including unpaid work for a family business or holding, including an apprenticeship or paid traineeship, etc.
 - 2. Unemployed
 - 3. Pupil, student, further training, unpaid work experience
 - 4. In retirement or early retirement or has given up business
 - 5. Permanently disabled
 - 6. In compulsory military service
 - 7. Fulfilling domestic tasks
 - 8. Other inactive person
 - 9. Not applicable (child less than 15 years)

Labour force survey, 1998:
The "main activity status" gives each person's self-perception regarding his/her activity status; for instance, it identifies students with small jobs who are more closely associated  with other students than with employed persons.