Annual Population Survey Datasets
The data and documentation can be
accessed from the following web page: Annual
Population Survey.
Free access to study descriptions,
online variable lists and online documentation, including questionnaires, is
available for all users and does not require registration.
Most non- commercial registered users
(see ESDS Login/register) can download datasets
in SPSS, STATA and ASCII tab-delimited formats. All registered users can place
an online order if they are unable to download the data, if an alternative format
or portable media (such as CD) is required or if the data are required from
another registered user or a local data library.
You can also sign
up to be notified when new data is available from the UK Data Archive.
Charges
Academics, teachers and students in higher or further education can obtain the
survey data for not-for-profit purposes at no cost (other than the costs of portable
media). Fees may apply to other users. See ESDS
Charges and Costs.
Secure Data Service Access
APS datasets are now available from the Secure Data Service (SDS). These datasets are more detailed version of existing data available through ESDS. To find out more about the content of these datasets view the online catalogue records for the Annual Population Survey, 2004-2010 and the Annual Population Survey Household, 2004-2009. Before applying for access researchers should read through the catalogue records to determine if the data are suitable for their research and whether less detailed versions of the data are available and could be used instead. More information about the SDS can be found on the Secure Data Service website.
Special Licence Access to APS Data
Users should note that there are two
versions of each APS dataset. One is available under the standard End User Licence
agreement and the other is a Special
Licence version (SL). The Special Licence version contains more detailed
geographical, industry, occupation, health and age variables. The Special Licence
was originally launched in September 2005. The coming into force of the Statistics
and Registration Service Act in April 2008 brings to an end SL arrangements
prior to this act. Access to ONS SL data will continue but under a new legal
framework set out in the act. Any registered user requiring ONS SL data will
have to be accredited by the UK Statistics Authority as an Approved Researcher.
The ONS have specified that applications through the SL form will no longer
be accepted from 1-16 March 2008 and that it will not be possible to order the
data during that time. After that date users should be able to order the data
from UKDA/ESDS in the usual way and will be directed to new Approved Researcher
forms for completion.
To apply for accreditation a user will complete forms that will require:
1. evidence that he/she is a fit and proper person and details about the purpose
of the research
2. an online order for the data
3. a signed declaration that he/she understands the confidentiality obligations
owed to those data including the physical security of the data
The evidence to be adduced will include
previous research projects and publications. New users may need to provide the
contact details of a senior member of staff who can vouch for them. The research
purpose form will ask for information about the intended use of the data, a
justification for access and planned outputs.
Users who obtain access to SL data are required to read and follow the Microdata handling and security: Guide to good practice. This includes additional
guidance on:
• avoiding inadvertent statistical disclosure
• storing and accessing data securely
• how to permanently destroy copies of data
Further
information on requirements for accreditation as an approved research can
be found on the UK Data Archive web site.
