In the HHSA we have calculated the value of labour indirectly, by valuing output at market prices, and deducting the value of inputs of purchased goods and services, household production of certain services (where appropriate) and capital consumption of equipment used in the household production process. This gives us the net value added by households, or the effective return to labour.

Using the information from the UK 2000 Time Use Survey (see Volume), we can convert the effective return to labour to an hourly rate, and also look at the contribution of males and females to household production. Because the value of voluntary activity has been calculated using an input approach, it is not included in this analysis.

The HHSA estimates of net value added, the hourly effective return to labour and the contributions of males and females should be interpreted with caution, bearing in mind their sensitivity to some of the assumptions made.