There has been a national census every 10 years since 1801 (except in 1941 when the country was at war). No-one has yet found a better way to build a picture of our diverse and changing population. The last census took place in 2001, and a lot’s changed across the country and the borough over the last 10 years. We have to find out how people’s lives and needs have changed, so that government and local authorities can plan, fund and deliver the services you and everyone else needs.
Take part in our 2011 census
We need another census, so on 27 March 2011, the Office for National Statistics (ONS), are asking every household in England and Wales (approx 25 million of them) to complete a census questionnaire.
To make sure the census has the most complete information about people living and working in England and Wales, every household is legally obliged to fill in and return a census questionnaire.
At the last census 95% of Wokingham Borough residents took part in the census which represents a good return. However, for 2011 we would like to encourage you to help us improve on the numbers of people taking part in the census.
How is census information used?
These statistics provide vital information that helps to allocate funding for national and local services, as well as providing useful information for local businesses, and practical information for the Borough’s residents; it is therefore crucial that the whole community is represented in census statistics.
An increase in participation for the 2011 census will not only provide superb statistical information, each extra 1% of the Borough’s population that takes part in the census will result in approximately £500,000 more funding to the Council.
Job Opportunities with Census 2011
Up to 35,000 staff will be recruited to work from local communities across England and Wales to support the 2011 Census.
Staff will be recruited to fill a range of posts including address checkers, area managers, census co-ordinators, census collectors and special enumerators. Recruitment for address checkers and address checker co-ordinators starts in January 2010, followed by a sucession of field staff recruitment campaigns through to January 2011.
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 on the Census Jobs website.
