Study title

This Mikrozensus special survey from March 1996 is similar to the on from previous years - the European Labour Force Survey (LFS). There have been some changes to the special program ordered by EUROSTAT (Statistical Office of the European Communities) in comparison with the one of the previous year (Mikrozensus MZ9701), which were also laid down as in new Council Directive. The survey was conducted wholly according to international standards. For many years the European Union has obligated its member countries to annually conduct a standardised labour force survey in spring. Since joining the EU 1995, Austria as a EU-member has to conduct this survey too. The relevance of this survey lies in the fact that the result on employment and unemployment from the LFS directly influences the financial support the Austrian regions receive from the European Union.