UK earnings data are collected through many different channels and summarised using different methods. Hence, the stories told by aggregate figures may appear to conflict with one another. While the overall picture of earnings is similar, there are important differences in the detail.
This article draws together the various sources of earnings aggregates to investigate similarities and inconsistencies and to improve understanding of this data. In particular, this work highlights the benefit from bringing sources together at the unit level to enhance analytical capability and throw more light on the coherence between data sources. In the last eighteen months, the Office for National Statistics has linked datasets using a range of innovative techniques to enhance analytical capability and carry out micro-level consistency checks.
Published in web format: 15 January 2007 at 9:30 am
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