Labour Statistics Convention, 1985 (No. 160) - New Zealand (RATIFICATION: 2001)

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The Committee notes the observations of Business New Zealand (BusinessNZ) and the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (NZCTU), communicated together with the Government’s report.

Part II. Application of the Articles of the Convention. The Committee welcomes the comprehensive report provided by the Government. It notes the Government’s indication that there have been certain changes in the application of the Convention during the reporting period. The Labour Market Statistics series was changed as of June quarter of 2016, with the inclusion of additional questions in the Household Labour Force Survey. The Government explains that the change was made to improve the relevance and quality of the labour market statistics compiled through the Survey, as the new content collects more information about the nature of people’s employment conditions and work arrangements. The Government also notes that, as of June 2019, the sample size for the Household Economic Survey was expanded from 5,500 households to 28,500 households in compiling information on household income, housing costs and child poverty. This change is intended to reduce margins of error in the data, as well as to provide information at a sub-population level.

Articles 7 and 8 of the Convention. Employment, unemployment and underemployment statistics. Statistics on the structure and distribution of the economically active population. The Committee notes that the Government continues to provide statistics on the economically active population, employment and unemployment to the ILO Department of Statistics (ILOSTAT) for dissemination through its website. In this respect, the latest Labour Force Survey (LFS) figures relate to 2021. Moreover, in response to the Committee’s previous comment, the Government indicates that changes made to the Labour Market Statistics series and Household Labour Force Survey questionnaire implement developments with respect to Resolution I adopted by the 19th International Conference of Labour Statisticians (ICLS) on Statistics of work, employment and labour underutilization (2013). With respect to Article 8, the Committee notes that the Government continues to provide data on the structure and distribution of the economically active population to ILOSTAT for dissemination on its website, most recently via the 2021 ILOSTAT questionnaire. The Government notes that the Census of Population and Dwellings was last undertaken in 2018 and data was supplied to ILOSTAT for dissemination. The Government points out that participation in the 2018 Census was lower than in previous censuses. As a result, data was used from alternative sources and different methodologies to produce a fit-for-purpose dataset. It adds that planning is currently underway for the next New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings, which will take place in March 2023. In this context, the Committee notes the observations of BusinessNZ, which indicates that information under Article 8 of the Convention is now considerably outdated, given that the most recent census was conducted in 2018. According to BusinessNZ the 2018 census was a ‘digital first’ census, which some 70 per cent of New Zealanders were expected to complete. This expectation was, however, not realized. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide statistical data and methodological information relevant to the application of Articles 7 and 8 of the Convention, and to supply updated information in relation to the 2023 census once it becomes available. The Government is also requested to continue to provide information on any developments in relation to the implementation of the Resolution concerning statistics of work, employment and labour underutilization (Resolution I), adopted by the 19th International Conference of Labour Statisticians (October 2013), as well as in relation to the Resolution concerning statistics on work relationships (Resolution I), adopted by the 20th International Conference of Labour Statisticians (October 2018).

Article 9. Current statistics of average earnings and hours of work. Statistics of time rates of wages and normal hours of work. The Committee notes that statistics on hours actually worked continue be collected in the Household Labour Force Survey and submitted to ILOSTAT through its annual questionnaire. The most recent statistics supplied refer to 2020. Current statistics on average hourly and weekly gross earnings, average weekly hours paid for, and the corresponding number of filled jobs, continue to be compiled quarterly, from the Quarterly Employment Survey (QES) conducted by Statistics New Zealand in March, June, September and December. In its reply to the observations of the NZCTU, the Government indicates that the QES has been revised, but that this revision does not include additional measures, nor does it affect the scope of the QES. Revisions to coverage related to sample redesign and increased coverage of industries, rather than to scope of coverage or definitions. The Government also notes that in preparation to make these changes, the Government consulted extensively with key users of the QES, as well as some data providers. It adds that the social partners were invited to be part of the consultation process. The Committee notes that, in its observations, BusinessNZ indicates that changes made to the QES appear to address the concerns raised by the NZCTU. At the same time, the Committee notes the NZCTU’s indication that the sample size of the Household Labour Force Survey (HLFS) is too small to allow for reliable disaggregation of statistics by ethnicity, or for cross-tabulation of regional data by industry. NZCTU therefore considers that the availability and reliability of statistics on earnings, hours of work, wage structure and distribution would be enhanced by carrying out a more regular survey with a larger sample size. Responding to the observations of the NZCTU indicating that the official statistics available on wage rates in collective agreements in New Zealand show only changes in wages (increases or decreases) from the quarterly Labour Cost Index Survey, the Government indicates that the Labour Cost Index does not measure average earnings or hours of work and thus falls outside the scope of Article 9. The NZCTU also observes that there is currently some uncertainty around arrangements for the collection and analysis of statistics derived from collective Agreements, but that discussions are currently underway on how this will be arranged and funded in the future. The Committee requests that the Government provide updated information on the concepts, definitions and methodology used in the statistics covered by Article 9 of the Convention to ILOSTAT through its annual questionnaire for dissemination. The Committee also requests the Government to continue to include information on the application in practice of Article 9 of the Convention by providing information on the consultations held and cooperation with the social partners when designing and revising such concepts, definitions and methodology.

Article 14. Statistics of occupational injuries and diseases. The Committee notes that the Government continues to supply statistics on fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries disaggregated by economic activity via the ILOSTAT annual questionnaire on labour statistics. The latest statistics refer to 2019 and are published on the Government website. Responding to the Committee’s previous comment, the Government provides information on the steps that it has taken during the reporting period to improve the quality of the statistics on occupational injuries and diseases. In addition, the Government notes that Stats NZ chairs an Injury Information Working Group, which is working across government units to improve the quality of injury data (including data on workplace injuries). The “Serious injury outcome indicators” series and the “Inquiry statistics – Work-related claims” series are published on the Stats NZ website and cover the years 2000–19.

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on developments in relation to the quality and availability of data compiled under Article 14. In this regard, it notes with interest the Government’s indication that the issue noted by the Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety concerning unreliability of data involving workplace fatalities has been resolved. The Committee also notes with interest that the recommendation issued by the Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety to "improve the quality and availability of data and information on workplace injury and occupational health performance by establishing a sector-leading research, evaluation and monitoring function within the new agency" has been picked up in the Government’s 2013 response to the independent Taskforce Report known as ‘Working Safer: A blueprint for health and safety at work’. Following the 2013 report, the Government set up a research, evaluation and monitoring function with WorkSafe. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that WorkSafe collects and publishes a range of data on selected industries and types of work covering annual and monthly data on fatalities, injuries, accident types, notifications, and WorkSafe activities such as enforcement, investigations and assessment. The data comes from both WorkSafe’s own registers and from the claims register of the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). This information is published on the WorkSafe Data Centre web page. The Committee notes that WorkSafe also commissions and publishes a range of research into particular industries and other aspects of the health and safety at work system. These publications are published on the Work Safe Research web page. In addition, WorkSafe and ACC both contribute data to the “‘Safe Work Australia Comparative Monitoring Report” published by Safe Work Australia. In its observations, BusinessNZ indicates that WorkSafe’s 2020 annual report provides information on progress made in addressing workplace health and safety. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on any developments in relation to the collection, compilation and publication of statistics on occupational injuries and diseases, including in relation to any measures taken to implement the recommendations of the Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety. In addition, the Committee requests that the Government continue to supply up-to-date statistics to ILOSTAT through its annual questionnaire, taking into account the decision of the International Labour Conference at its 110th Session in June 2022 to include “a safe and healthy working environment” as a fundamental principle and right at work under paragraph 2 of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

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The Committee notes the observations of Business New Zealand and the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (NZCTU), communicated together with the Government’s report.

Articles 7 and 8 of the Convention. Employment, unemployment and underemployment statistics. Statistics of the structure and distribution of the economically active population. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report and that the Government continues to supply data to the ILO Department of Statistics for dissemination through its website (ILOSTAT). In this regard, the latest Labour Force Survey (LFS) figures relate to 2014. The Committee notes that the 33rd New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings planned for March 2011 was cancelled due to the Christchurch earthquake on 22 February 2011 and the subsequent state of emergency. The Census was thereafter rescheduled and conducted on 5 March 2013. The Committee requests that the Government continue to supply data and information on the methodology used in the application of these provisions. It also invites the Government to provide information on any plans for conducting the next population census. Please also include information on any developments in relation to the implementation of the Resolution concerning statistics of work, employment and labour underutilization (Resolution I), adopted by the 19th International Conference of Labour Statisticians (October 2013).

Article 9. Current statistics of average earnings and hours of work. Statistics of time rates of wages and normal hours of work. The Committee notes that the Government continues to regularly provide data to the ILO Department of Statistics from its Quarterly Employment Survey (QES), which is conducted by Statistics New Zealand in March, June, September and December annually. The Committee notes, however, the concerns expressed by the NZCTU regarding the accessibility and availability of certain data series. For example, the NZCTU indicates that the official statistics available on wage rates in collective agreements in New Zealand show only wage changes (increases or decreases) from the quarterly Labour Cost Index Survey. These statistics reflect only changes in wages that the employer indicates as being due to collective agreements and are reported in a limited number of bands, with no distinction being made by sex, occupation, industry or region. The NZCTU indicates that it would be possible to survey collective agreement wage rates, but this is not done. Moreover, there are no statistics on piece rates and shift rates although these could be surveyed. The Committee notes from the observations of the NZCTU that work is under way to revise the coverage of the QES, but the outcome of this revision has yet to be announced. The Committee requests that the Government provide updated information on the concepts, definitions and methodology used in the statistics covered by Article 9 of the Convention. Please also include information on the application in practice of Article 3 of the Convention by providing information on the consultations held and cooperation with the social partners when designing and revising such concepts, definitions and methodology.

Article 14. Statistics of occupational injuries and diseases. The Committee notes the detailed information received concerning advances made and difficulties encountered in the compilation of statistics on occupational injuries and diseases. In reply to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government indicates in its report that, in 2012, during the production of the serious injury outcome indicators for 2000–11, Statistics New Zealand became aware of a quality issue concerning the work-related injury indicators. Specifically, it discovered that when a workplace fatality could be attributed to more than one potentially fatal injury, that fatality had been counted more than once. As some deaths result from multiple injuries, the number of deaths being reported was too high. As a result of this discovery, the work-related indicators were not published together with the rest of the indicators in December 2012. The Government further indicates that the definition of “work-related injury” used for the serious injury outcome indicators has since been reviewed and updated, with a view to improving the quality of the indicators. Statistics New Zealand also reviewed the coverage of the data used for the work-related indicators, and investigated the inclusion of additional data sources. As a result of this work, some previously unreported work-related injury events are now being reported. The NZCTU indicates that New Zealand has inadequate statistics on occupational injury and disease, noting that occupational injury data is largely limited to workers compensation claim statistics and statutory serious injury or fatality reports made to regulators, with the exception of the serious injury outcome indicator reports which, while incomplete, combine a number of sources. They are, however, delayed by up to two years and are limited in depth. In this context, the Committee notes the link provided by Business New Zealand to the website of Statistics New Zealand where the serious injury outcome indicator reports may be accessed. The NZCTU refers to the comments made by the Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety in relation to poor data and measurement, in which the Taskforce noted that New Zealand has unreliable data on workplace fatalities as well as poor information on health and safety risk concentrations, causes of workplace illnesses and injuries, and the effectiveness of interventions. The Taskforce noted that there is therefore insufficient information on which to base effective targeted interventions. The NZCTU also refers to the recommendations made by the Taskforce with a view to improving the situation. The Committee requests that the Government continue to supply up-to-date statistics as well as information on any developments in relation to the collection, compilation and publication of statistics on occupational injuries and diseases, including in relation to any measures taken to implement the recommendations of the Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety.

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Article 14 of the Convention. Statistics of occupational injuries and diseases. The Committee notes with satisfaction that in reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that statistics on work-related claims for injuries are now published on an annual basis on the website of Statistics New Zealand in summary form. Serious Injury Outcome Indicators have also been published annually by the New Zealand Industry Prevention Strategy Secretariat. The Government states that in 2011, Statistics New Zealand will publish and further develop these indicators that include work-related injury indicators. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would keep the Office informed of further developments in this regard.

Article 9(2). Statistics of time rates of wages and normal hours of work. Taking note of the information provided by the Government, the Committee draws its attention to Resolution I[1] concerning the measurement of working time adopted by the International Conference of Labour Statisticians in November–December 2008, which defines new concepts and measures in this area of statistics.

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The Committee notes with satisfaction the measures adopted recently by the Government as a result of which:

(1)   underemployment is measured in the manner defined by the 1998 International Conference of Labour Statisticians (Article 7);

(2)   the resolutions of the 2003 International Conference of Labour Statisticians are given full effect by Statistics New Zealand (Article 12); and

(3)   the provisions of the resolution adopted by the 2003 Conference have been followed in designing the concepts, definitions and methodology used in the collection, compilation and publication of household income and expenditure statistics (other than for the coverage of goods and services received as income in kind or produced for barter or own consumption, free subsidized goods and services provided by employers, housing services provided by owner-occupied dwellings and income taxation payments).

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With reference to its observation, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide certain clarifications on the following points.

Article 12 of the Convention. Consumer price indices. Noting the Government’s indication in relation to Article 12 that the latest standards and guidelines have been followed, the Committee would be grateful if it would indicate which standards and guidelines are referred to (Article 2).

Article 14. Statistics of occupational injuries and occupational diseases. Noting that the provisions of the Convention on statistics of occupational injuries are in general applied and that the compilation of injury statistics is currently at the development stage with a view to integrating the various administrative sources of data and completing the coverage of these statistics, the Committee asks the Government to keep the ILO informed of any progress in this regard and to provide any available information on the compilation of statistics of occupational injuries.

The Committee would be grateful if the Government would ensure that statistical publications containing data on occupational injuries are communicated to the ILO, and particularly the publication "Injury Statistics: Work-related Injuries" (Article 5).

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The Committee notes with satisfaction the information contained in the Government’s first report and available from other national and international sources referred to in the report, showing that full effect is given to Articles 7 to 15 of the Convention.

The Committee also notes the detailed information provided by the Government in a letter of 17 November 2003 replying to comments by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (NZCTU) on the application of the Convention.

According to the NZCTU, the wage statistics collected by Statistics New Zealand for its Quarterly Employment Surveys (QES) use a different methodology and produce different figures from the wage data used in the Labour Cost Index, which are taken from the Household Labour Force Survey coordinated by the Department of Labour. In the view of the NZCTU, this inconsistency makes it more difficult to compare and use the data and it would be desirable for the two Government agencies to coordinate more and use more standard measures and methodologies for the collection of wage data.

The Committee notes in this respect that the wage data used in the Labour Cost Index are not drawn from the Household Labour Force Survey, but from a quarterly survey from employers, such as the Quarterly Employment Survey and, secondly, that the two surveys are conducted by Statistics New Zealand. In its reply dated 17 November 2003, the Government provided, inter alia, detailed information on the various measures of wages produced by Statistics New Zealand with regard to their objectives, source, scope and methods. These details supplement and confirm the information that it provided in its first report and that is available to the ILO. The Committee accordingly considers that there is no contradiction, but rather complementarities between these measures. It notes that, according to the Government, Statistics New Zealand can provide further information on the difference between these wage measures and the most appropriate source for the needs of users, and that full methodological information is also available on the Internet site of Statistics New Zealand.

The Committee is addressing a request directly to the Government on certain points.