Labour Force Survey (LFS)

Reason for part-time work of employed person, category

Reason for part-time work refers to the main reason given by the respondent for usually working less than 30 hours per week at his/her main or only job (part-time worker) when asked if he/she wants to work more or less than 30 hours at a (single) job or business.

Employed person refers to those who, during the reference period, had a labour force status of 'employed'. That is, those who, during the reference period:

(a) Did any work at all at a job or business, that is, paid work in the context of an employer-employee relationship, or self-employment. This also includes persons who did unpaid family work, which is defined as unpaid work contributing directly to the operation of a farm, business or professional practice owned and operated by a related member of the same household; or

(b) Had a job but were not at work due to factors such as their own illness or disability, personal or family responsibilities, vacation or a labour dispute. This category excludes persons not at work because they were on layoff or between casual jobs, and those who did not then have a job (even if they had a job to start at a future date).

The data for this variable are reported using the following classifications and/or lists:

• Reasons for part-time work