The Job Openings and Labor Turnover
Survey (JOLTS) collects data on job vacancies, labor hires, and
labor separations. The data can be used as demand-side indicators
of labor shortages. These indicators of labor shortages at the
national level greatly enhance policy makers' understanding of
imbalances between the demand and supply of labor. Presently there
is no other economic indicator of labor demand with which to assess
the presence of labor shortages in the U.S. labor market. The
availability of unfilled jobs is an important measure of tightness
of job markets, symmetrical to unemployment measures.
US Code:
29 USC 1 & 2 Name of Law: BLS Authorizing Statue
The JOLTS program plans to
extend the period that web respondents report from 24 months to 36
months. In addition, current respondents not reporting via Web that
have reported 24 months (CATI, Fax, Email) will be moved to WEB for
an additional 12 months. This results in approximately a 29%
increase in the current sample size (16,100 to 20,700). Burden
hours and costs will increase 7.9% and 9.2% respectively.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.