Shortage of volunteer staff threatens census crisis

3:40pm Saturday 24th February 2001

A SHORTAGE of staff is threatening Watford's ability to carry out the forthcoming national census.

In April, the ten-yearly national census will be carried out, and staff are being recruited in all towns and districts to distribute and collect necessary forms.

However, most of the 80 vacancies in Watford have not been filled, causing what census organisers are calling a "potential crisis".

A spokesman for the Office of National Statistics said: "We need the staff from March to May, and they will get an equivalent of two-weeks' work, and can earn as much as £398.

"But the majority of the 80 vacancies in Watford have not been filled, and it is a potential crisis.

"The national census has to go ahead, and we need the information to make decisions on how much money areas need, for things such as schools and hospitals.

"If we do not get full information, the area may miss out on Government cash.

"If we do not get the staff, it may be necessary to put emergency measures in place to get the forms to people, or to have all the leaflets together and get people to pick them up. We really do not know at the moment."

Every household in Britain is required by law to fill and return the census forms, which will come with a pre-paid envelope to return.

Posts are part-time and most work will be in the evenings.

Full training will be given, and anybody aged 18 and older can apply. Application forms are available from Watford Jobcentre in St Albans Road, by visiting www.statistics.gov.uk, or by contacting the census recruitment hotline on 0845 306 2001.

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