From 22nd March 2021 our field census officers will be working across England and Wales, visiting households which have not yet completed their census.
All our officers will be carrying official identification cards. The card will have a photograph and the officer’s name. The officers will work through the day to make contact with residents but will not call before 09:00 or after 20:00.
Any member of the public concerned that the person on their doorstep is not a census officer can call the number on the critical workers letter that the officer can show them.
Census officers will never ask for any money or bank details at any point during the conversation with respondents.
Our staff in the field are classed as key workers. The law allows that where there is a lockdown people can leave their home for work if they cannot work from home. As their role cannot be carried out by working from home, they are allowed to carry out the duties of their role.
The health and safety of the public and the census field force is of the utmost importance to us. Field force routines in Census 2021 have been planned with the health and safety of both the public and field staff front and centre. All our officers will work in a socially distanced way; they will all be wearing PPE and they will not enter anyone’s home.
Jill Loader | Census Engagement Manager, Somerset |
Office for National Statistics | +44 07452 939451 |