Census collectors start work

A total of 29,000 collectors will be calling at homes across England and Wales to collect census forms not yet returned

CENSUS collectors start their house-to-house visits today (Wednesday) to contact people who have not returned their 2011 census forms.

The 29,000 collectors will be targeting the seven million households who have still not completed and returned their census questionnaires.

So far nearly three quarters of households have completed and returned their forms.

2011 census director Glen Watson said: "I am pleased that nearly three quarters of the questionnaires have come back just nine days after census day.

“Collectors are all set to start work at 2pm today to collect questionnaires from households who haven't sent theirs back or completed the census online.

"Our collectors will be helping and in some cases, persuading, those householders who have so far been reluctant or simply been too busy to fill in their forms."

All 2011 census field staff wear photo identification badges and carry other visibly branded items.

People are reminded that collectors will never ask anyone for bank account details.

If householders are at all unsure about the identity of anyone claiming to be from the census, they should ask to see their proof of identity before answering any questions and if they still have concerns should contact the census helpline on 0300 0201 101.