ADR UK are inviting applicants to propose research projects that demonstrate the policy impact potential of ADR England flagship datasets, including three developed by the Wage and Employment Dynamics (WED) Project.
This programme, which is supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), funds projects that demonstrate real policy relevance using ADR England’s flagship linked datasets. Projects can be funded for up to 18 months with an award of up to £200,000, and must begin in September 2026.
The application deadline is 16:00 on 26 February 2026.
The WED Datasets
The WED Project has developed three of the ADR UK flagship datasets eligible for use under this Fellowship call:
- ASHE linked to Census 2011
- ASHE linked to PAYE and Self Assessment
- ASHE linked to Migrant Workers Scan
These datasets are designed to enrich earnings data with valuable information to allow researchers to explore explore earnings, employment, migration and income dynamics at an enhanced level of detail.
Dataset Spotlight: ASHE-Census 2011
The ASHE-Census 2011 dataset links the ASHE with rich demographic and household information from the 2011 Census of England and Wales.
This linkage allows researchers to examine how earnings and employment outcomes vary by characteristics such as:
- gender and ethnicity
- disability and health
- education and qualifications
- household and family circumstances
The dataset is particularly powerful for research on pay gaps, labour market inequality, wage progression and job mobility, providing evidence that can directly inform labour market and equality policy.
Find out more about the ASHE-Census 2011 dataset here.
Dataset Spotlight: ASHE linked to PAYE and Self Assessment
The ASHE linked to PAYE and Self Assessment dataset connects survey-based earnings data with HMRC administrative records, capturing both employee earnings (PAYE) and self-employment and additional income (Self Assessment).
This linkage allows researchers to move beyond a single-job or single-income view of the labour market and explore:
- total income across multiple jobs
- transitions between employment and self-employment
- income volatility and earnings diversification
- under-reported or complex income sources
By combining high-quality survey measures with comprehensive tax records, this dataset is particularly valuable for research on job quality, income security, labour market flexibility and the changing nature of work.
Find out more about the ASHE-HMRC datasets here.
Dataset Spotlight: ASHE linked to Migrant Workers Scan
The ASHE linked to Migrant Workers Scan (MWS) dataset combines ASHE with administrative records relating to overseas nationals registering for a National Insurance number.
This resource enables researchers to follow migrant workers’ labour market trajectories over time, supporting analysis of:
- earnings progression following arrival in the UK
- occupational and sectoral mobility
- pay gaps between migrant and non-migrant workers
It is a unique dataset for addressing policy-relevant questions about migration, workforce composition, and labour market inclusion.
Find out more about the ASHE-MWS dataset here.
Apply now!
To find out more about the fellowships including how to apply and what support is available, click here.