Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings linked to Census 2021 Northern Ireland

The available data provides longitudinal, person-level insight into earnings, employment and labour market outcomes in Northern Ireland. By linking detailed information on pay, occupation, hours worked and employment characteristics with Census 2021 demographic, socio-economic, health and household characteristics, the dataset enables researchers to explore how labour market experiences and outcomes vary across different population groups and over time. 

The dataset supports analysis of a wide range of policy-relevant issues, including earnings progression, job quality, labour market participation, pay inequality and the relationship between educational attainment, demographic characteristics and employment outcomes. Researchers can also investigate how factors such as occupation, industry, health, household circumstances and commuting patterns relate to pay and labour market experiences. 

Building on the earlier Earnings and Employees Study (EES) 2011, which linked ASHE 2011 with Census 2011, ASHE-Census 2021 NI incorporates longitudinal earnings data (2014-2022) and includes a new Good Jobs Indicator, providing enhanced opportunities to examine employment trajectories and workforce inequalities across Northern Ireland. 

These linked datasets create a rich evidence base for understanding labour market outcomes and socioeconomic inequalities in Northern Ireland, strengthening the capacity for evidence-based policymaking and helping to inform interventions relating to pay, skills, workforce participation, equality and social inclusion.