Quarterly Business Survey

Aim of this survey

The Quarterly Business Survey (QBS) collects quarterly information on employment of businesses in Great Britain. Your response contributes to labour market statistics.

What you need to know

To complete the survey, you will need the following information to answer the survey questions:

• number of full-time and part-time male employees
• number of full-time and part-time female employees
• total number of employees for the business
• explain any changes in your figures in the comments section; this will help us interpret the changes within your industry and will reduce the likelihood of ONS needing to re-contact you

All information you provide is strictly confidential.

Survey information

Selection criteria: businesses in Great Britain registered for Value Added Tax (VAT) or Pay As You Earn (PAYE).
Population: approximately 680,000.
Sample: approximately 10,000.
Frequency: quarterly.

Dispatch date: between the 14th and 19th day of each quarterly month.
Return-by date: between the 22nd and 29th day of each quarterly month.

Dispatch and return-by dates are a guide. They are subject to change because of national holidays and weekends.

Why you were selected

Your business has been selected from a directory of businesses that are registered for VAT or PAYE or with Companies House. Your information is important to us, and your response ensures we represent your industry.

The QBS is conducted under the provisions of the Statistics of Trade Act 1947. Once selected, your business is legally obliged to comply. You cannot appeal your selection.

Why you have received this survey

We survey businesses of all sizes to ensure our statistics are representative of the UK economy. Generally, we select large businesses (usually those with 100 or more employees) for any relevant Office for National Statistics (ONS) business surveys because their information is so significant.

We select some small and medium businesses, usually for a set period of time, then replace them with other businesses from their industry. These businesses are very important to us, as their trading patterns are often very different to large businesses.

How to complete this survey

Your letter explains how to complete this survey online. Please use your unique enrolment code to report your information.

Complete this survey online

If you need help

If your questions are not answered on this page, you may be able to find the answers on the About ONS business surveys page.

You can call us on 0300 1234 931. Please enter the three-digit survey ID 139.

From outside the UK, call us on +44 1633 810495.

Er mwyn gwneud cais am ffurflen Gymraeg (to speak to someone in Welsh): 0300 1234 921.