A recent U.S. Department of Labor National Compensation Survey found that in 1999, 48 percent of private sector employees participated in employer-sponsored qualified retirement plans. The survey found that, among full-time employees, participation was 56 percent. Participation rates are higher among public sector employees. The Bureau of Census’ Current Population Survey found that, in 1997, 87 percent of State and local government employees and 88 percent of Federal government employees participated in an employer-sponsored retirement plan.