Flagship dataset exploring migration and employment now available for policy-relevant research

The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) linked to Migrant Workers Scan – England, Scotland and Wales dataset offers unique insights into the experiences of migrant workers in the UK labour market. This dataset is now available for accredited researchers to apply to access in the Office for National Statistics Secure Research Service.

The newly available linked dataset combines detailed earnings and employment information from ASHE with migration data from the Migrant Workers Scan. The dataset is de-identified, which means that it does not contain any information that could identify a person.

ASHE includes employment details – such as wage and working hours – as well as information on the employer and de-identified personal information, for a 1% sample of the UK population. Meanwhile, the Migrant Workers Scan is a standalone but fully linkable dataset based on this sample. It contains information on overseas nationals who have registered for, and been allocated, a National Insurance Number.

Linking these two data sources provides a rich resource that enables unprecedented insights into the employment trajectories and experiences of migrant workers.

The new linkage is an ADR England flagship dataset; these are datasets that have the potential to fill evidence gaps and address pressing policy needs. It was created by the Wage and Employment Dynamics project, which is funded by ADR England.

Dr Damian Whittard, project lead for Wage and Employment Dynamics said: “By linking ASHE with the Migrant Workers Scan, policymakers gain robust new evidence on migrant workers’ labour-market experiences. The new linkage will help to fill a critical evidence gap on migrant earnings and labour-market transitions.”

Answering pressing policy questions around migration and employment

Migrant workers play a key role in many areas of the UK economy, but better evidence is needed to understand their experiences and progression through the job market.

The new dataset can help explore a range of policy-relevant questions, including:

• What are the earnings differences between migrant and UK-born workers across occupations, industries and regions?
• How do wage trajectories differ for recent migrants compared to long-settled migrants and UK-born workers?
• Do migrants transition into higher-skilled or higher-paying roles over time, or are they more likely to remain in entry-level jobs?
• Are migrant workers more likely to experience pay penalties or limited progression compared to similar UK-born workers?

These new insights have the potential to provide evidence on key policy topics like wage inequalities, job mobility, and participation in different sectors.

Apply for fellowship funding to use this dataset

ASHE linked to Migrant Workers Scan is one of a number of datasets in scope for our latest ADR UK Research Fellowships funding opportunity, which is currently open for applications.

Fellows will use ADR England flagship datasets to address evidence gaps and answer pressing policy questions. They’ll incorporate meaningful public and policy engagement, and will benefit from a supportive community of users of administrative data.

Fellowship projects will start in September 2026 and be 18 months in duration. The deadline for applications is 26 February 2026.

Find out more and apply

How to access the dataset

The ASHE linked to Migrant Workers Scan dataset is available for accredited researchers to apply to access in the Office for National Statistics.

For more information on the dataset, supporting documentation and the process to apply for access:

Read more about the dataset