Students invited to apply for census posts

The 2011 Census taking place on Sunday 27 March offers a great opportunity to Royal Borough students looking for temporary work.

A census is run by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) every 10 years to get a numerical 'snapshot' on a single date and gain an accurate picture of the population.

As every person in the country needs to be counted, the ONS is on the lookout for temporary workers for a variety of tasks. Students in particular are being targeted for roles advising fellow students who may be completing the form by themselves for the first time.

Cllr Christine Bateson, Cabinet Member for Community Partnerships and Consultation, said: "This is a great opportunity for Royal Borough students to earn money over the next couple of months, whether they are at home or at their term-time accommodation."

The recruitment drive is part of an ONS student outreach programme, endorsed by the National Union of Students, to ensure every student across England and Wales is accurately represented in the census. Other initiatives include census-based degree projects, a dedicated student website and exclusive student competitions.

The 2011 Census will ask about work, health, national identity, citizenship, ethnic background, education, second homes, language, religion, marital status and so on.

These statistics are used to build a picture of today's society and determine the amount of government funding the Royal Borough will receive for essential services such as education, transport, schools and housing.

Early in March census forms will arrive by post and can be returned using a pre-paid envelope or - for the first time ever - can be completed online via a secure internet site.

The census form should take around 10 minutes for each person's details to be entered. The information provided - which is protected by law - will help shape the local community for years to come.

More information on the 2011 Census can be found at www.census.gov.uk and information specifically targeted at students at www.census.gov.uk/2011students

For further information on temporary census roles email jennifer.heaton@rbwm.gov.uk or call Jennifer Heaton on 01628 796066.

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