Government officials have defended an employment survey which businesses are expected to complete for a period which includes the annual Cup Match holiday.

The Employment Survey forms are designed to record staffing levels in various employment sectors but the test time this year falls over the August holiday weekend.

And there have also been complaints of mistakes in the paperwork that employers have to return.

Steven Holdipp, of the Government Statistical Department, apologised for any technical errors in the Employment Survey forms and said the survey was always conducted over the period from the end of July to the beginning of August, regardless of Cup Match.

He said: "The reference week normally falls in the last week. We're fulfilling basic protocol.

"Historically, we attempt to measure employment at the height of the hospitality season, and that is the end of July, spilling over into August.

"In recent years, the survey has not fallen over Cup Match. I can't recollect anytime that it has fallen over Cup Match, but since August of 1978, when we started, I'm sure it must have.'' In regards to errors that occurred in some forms, Mr. Holdipp said: "What we try to do to maintain efficiency is to photocopy many of the documents in house. On the odd occasion, it is possible that errors occur. We kindly ask them to call us so that we can supply them with the correct information.'' A complaint was lodged that the large print of the "sample'' stamp obliterated much of the information provided by Government on the forms.

Mr. Holdipp said: "That is basically our response to past years' experience.

It is a safety valve for us, as before people had completed the sample forms and sent those in.

"I would like to offer our apologies for any errors. If something is wrong, I encourage people to call us at 295-5151, extensions 1351, 1347 or 1635.'' Mr. Holdipp said the Manpower Survey was a census of all business establishments and persons who employ others.

It helps to ascertain levels of employment in key industries and is utilised by employers, students, researchers and Government.

The forms are available for public perusal in May of the year following the reference year, although the 1999 results have been delayed due in part to the census effort.

GOVERNMENT GVT