Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings linked to Census 2021 Northern Ireland dataset now available for accredited research

The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings linked to Census 2021 Northern Ireland (ASHE-Census 2021 NI) dataset offers new opportunities to undertake accredited policy-relevant research on earnings, employment and inequalities in Northern Ireland. The dataset is now available for accredited researchers to apply to access through the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA)’s Research Support Unit (RSU). 

The newly available linked dataset combines detailed earnings and employment information from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) with demographic, socio-economic and household information collected through Census 2021. The dataset is de-identified, meaning it does not contain information that could directly identify an individual. 

ASHE is the UK's main source of information on earnings and paid hours worked and provides detailed information on employees and their jobs. ASHE-Census 2021 NI links ASHE data for 2014 to 2022 with Census 2021 records, creating a rich longitudinal resource that enables researchers to explore how earnings and employment outcomes vary across different population groups and over time. 

The dataset was developed by NISRA's Economic and Labour Market Statistics Branch and Census Office in collaboration with ADR NI, with record linkage carried out by NISRA's Trusted Third Party under the Digital Economy Act 2017. 

Building on the earlier Earnings and Employees Study (EES) 2011 resource, linking ASHE 2011 with Census 2011, ASHE-Census 2021 NI includes a longitudinal earnings component and additional variables, including a new Good Jobs Indicator. These enhancements provide researchers with greater scope to examine earnings trajectories, job quality, labour market experiences and inequalities across Northern Ireland. 

Answering important policy questions

The linked dataset has the potential to support evidence-based policymaking across a wide range of areas relating to employment, earnings and inequality. By combining detailed earnings information with Census characteristics, researchers can investigate a variety of policy-relevant questions, including: 

• What factors influence variations in median pay?
• How does educational attainment relate to wage outcomes?
• How do industry and occupation contribute to wage inequality?
• How does commuting distance relate to pay, and do commuter characteristics influence this?

Findings from research using ASHE-Census 2021 NI have the potential to inform policies relating to pay, productivity, skills, workforce participation, equality and social inclusion. 

Apply to host a PhD studentship using this dataset

ASHE-Census 2021 NI is one of the ADR UK flagship datasets that can be used within ADR UK's latest PhD Studentships funding opportunity. ADR UK is inviting applications from Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) to host a cohort of fully funded PhD studentships using linked administrative data to address important policy questions.

Studentships using ASHE-Census 2021 NI could explore a wide range of topics relating to earnings, job quality, labour market experiences and inequalities in Northern Ireland. 

ADR UK is funding up to 30 PhD studentships across the UK. Successful studentships will be announced in January 2027, with recruited students expected to begin their studies in October 2027.

Find out more about the opportunity and how to apply. 

How to access the dataset

ASHE-Census 2021 NI is available for accredited researchers to apply to access through NISRA's Research Support Unit. Further information, including the guidance document, data dictionary and details on the application process, is available on the NISRA website.