Language of work

Part A - Short definition:

Not applicable

Part B - Detailed definition:

Refers to the language used most often at work (part (a)) as well as to other languages used at work on a regular basis (part (b)) as reported by the individual on May 10, 2011.

Reported in:

2011

Reported for:

Population aged 15 years and over, in private households, who worked since January 1, 2010.

Question number(s):

Direct variable: Question 49(a) and (b)

Responses:

See Figures 1.7, 1.7A, 1.7B, 1.7C, 1.7D, 1.7E and 1.7F.

See Appendix 2.4: NHS classification of language of work.

Remarks:

Question 49, part (a) and part (b), was asked for the first time in 2001. The question remained the same in 2006 and 2011. Instructions from the 2011 NHS Guide were as follows:

Part (a)

• Report two languages only if they are used equally often.
• Report languages used to speak, read or write in order to perform a job or a major task.
• Do not report a language used only during coffee, lunch or other rest breaks.
• For people who are deaf or who have a speech disability, report languages used to speak, read or write in order to perform a job or a major task, including sign language.

Part (b)

• Report any other language(s) that this person may use on a regular basis in performing a job or a major task, though not as often as the main language reported in part (a).
• Do not report a language used only during coffee, lunch or other rest breaks.
• For people who are deaf or who have a speech disability, report languages used to speak, read or write in order to perform a job or a major task, including sign language.

Appendix 2.4 provides a list of the non-official languages released in 2011.

For additional information on the collection and dissemination of data on language, refer to the Languages Reference Guide, National Household Survey, 2011.