Statistics of hours of work usually show the average number of hours of work per week, or in some cases per day or month. Unless otherwise stated, the series cover wage earners of both sexes, without distinction as to age. Data by sex are published whenever possible.

The series on hours of work are usually derived from data taken from establishment payrolls. They show the number of hours actually worked or paid for. The number of hours actually worked is generally taken to be the number of hours spent at the place of work, and includes normal periods of work and overtime. Hours paid for also include hours paid for but not worked, such as paid annual vacation, paid public holidays, paid sick leave and other paid leave. The definition of hours actually worked as stated in the resolution adopted by the Tenth International Conference of Labour Statisticians (Geneva, 1962) is given in the publication: Current international recommendations on labour statistics (Geneva, ILO, 1988).

The Tenth Conference did not adopt a definition of hours paid for because of the wide difference among countries with respect to wage payments for holidays and other periods when no work is performed.

The two types of statistics on hours of work are indicated in the tables by the following codes:

(a) Hours actually worked;

(b) Hours paid for.

For a detailed description of the series published in the Bulletin see Sources and Methods: Labour Statistics (formerly Statistical Sources and Methods). A technical guide to series published in the Bulletin of Labour Statistics and the Yearbook of Labour Statistics. Vol. 2: "Employment, wages, hours of work and labour cost (establishment surveys)", second edition (Geneva, ILO, 1987); Vol. 3: "Economically active population, employment, unemployment and hours of work (household surveys)", third edition (Geneva, ILO, 2004) and Vol. 4: "Employment, unemployment, wages and hours of work (administrative records and related sources)", second edition (Geneva, ILO, 2004).

Unless otherwise indicated in footnotes, the series cover the divisions of economic activity listed below; in some cases, however, these divisions are only represented by certain of the groups composing them.

Table B5 (non-agricultural activities)

Mining and quarrying; manufacturing; electricity, gas and water; construction; wholesale and retail trade, restaurants and hotels; transport, storage and communication; financing, insurance, real estate and business services; community, social and personal services; activities not adequately defined.

Table B6 (manufacturing)

Manufacturing.

For the explanation of signs and symbols used in the tables, click here.