The latest in the series of ADR England Data Explained documentation explores the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) linked to the Migrant Workers Scan dataset, and has now been published. This resource is the latest output from the Wage and Employment Dynamics (WED) project, and it’s designed to support researchers and data users working with our newest linked administrative dataset, now available for UK labour market research.
The Data Explained
This Data Explained document provides a clear and practical overview of the ASHE–Migrant Workers Scan linkage, explaining:
- What the Migrant Workers Scan (MWS) dataset contains, including information on individuals who have registered for a National Insurance Number after arriving in the UK
- What ASHE data offers, particularly detailed information on earnings, hours worked, occupation, and industry
- How these two datasets have been linked together securely, and what this linkage makes possible for research
- Key strengths, limitations, and methodological considerations researchers should be aware of when using the linked data
Linking ASHE with the Migrant Workers Scan enables researchers to explore earnings and employment outcomes for migrant workers with a level of detail that is not possible using either dataset alone.
Harnessing the power of administrative data for policy
This linkage supports research into questions such as:
- How do earnings and working hours of migrant workers vary across occupations and industries?
- How do labour market outcomes differ by nationality, age, or region of residence?
- What patterns can be observed in the jobs migrants are working in, and how does this change over time?
By documenting how the linkage works and how the data can be used responsibly, this Data Explained guide helps ensure that research using the data is robust, transparent, and policy-relevant.
ADR Research Fellowships
The ASHE-MWS linked data are available for use as part of the ADR Research Fellowships, along with all other ADR Flagship datasets. This includes the ASHE-HMRC and ASHE-Census 2011 linkages.
The deadline for applications is 26th February 2026- find out more here.
Read the Data Explained publication here
Accessing the data and other useful links.
Accredited researchers can apply to access the ASHE linked to MWS dataset via the ONS Research Accreditation Service.
You can find a blog which explores the incredible research potential presented by this new linked dataset here.
Additionally, you can find out more about the value and uses of administrative data here.
And finally, you can find the documentation relating to these data here, including a user guide and full variable lists.