VML FAQs

 

What data are available?

As at November 2006 the following data are available.

1.  12 business datasets including:

  • the Annual Respondents Database
  • the Business Structure Database
  • ONS survey data on e-commerce
  • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
  • capital expenditure
  • international trade in services
  • Products of the European Community (PRODCOM)
  • Research and Development (R&D)
  • monthly output data
  • the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE)

Years and coverage vary with each dataset. All survey responses, with the exception of ASHE, can be linked to others through a unique company identifier. ASHE data can be linked to companies from 1998 onwards with 65 per cent to 100 per cent accuracy. Most ONS business data can be acquired if there is sufficient demand.

2.  The Labour Force Survey (LFS) and Annual Population Survey (APS) held at local authority level.

3.  External surveys include the Workplace Employment Relations Survey (WERS), the Community Innovation Survey (waves two to four) and, by 2007, the National Employer Skills Survey.

4.  Health, social, census and government data are held for specific projects. For further details on accessing these data see the contact information or contact the Access to data team (email access2data@ons.gsi.gov.uk).

5.  Controlled Access Microdata Samples (CAMS) are microdata derived from the 2001 UK Census. For further details email SARS@ons.gsi.gov.uk or access the Census/CAMS pages.

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In what format is the data available?

The data are in flat files - mainly Stata - but can be converted to other formats as required.

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Is there more than one version?

The latest versions are available to researchers. Earlier versions are archived but available if needed.

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How long will it take to get the data?

Processing time normally takes one to two weeks from receipt of the application to sending out contracts.

Please note that the VML team will usually discuss projects before the application form is sent out, and contracts must be signed by authorised signatories in departments which may take some time.

For new researchers the turnaround time will be closer to four weeks, as they must attend a mandatory training programme before accessing the VML.

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Is there a charge for the service and, if so, how much?

Academics can access the data free of charge.

Non-academic users are charged £52 per day, based on expected use.

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Are there any restrictions to applying for the data?

 1.       Access to data via the VML is subject to meeting the criteria for ONS on-site access, the principles of the National Statistics Code of Practice and Protocols, and any governing legislation or confidentiality pledges under which the data were collected. Download the Data Disclosure Provisions document for further details.

2.       Researchers are given limited statistical support and so will be expected to demonstrate that they have the required statistical knowledge to carry out the research.

3.       Access to the VML will not be granted if the data can be made available to researchers off-site through any other mechanism - VML access is the last resort. Access will also only be granted for statistical purposes.

4.       No disclosive data can be released outside the VML under any circumstances. Researchers will not be able to take any disaggregate data off-site. All analysis must be carried out in the VML environment, and only statistical results may be removed.

5.       Where applicable, ONS specialist teams will check all outputs before they can be released to the researcher, normally within 5 working days of their visit.

6.       Applications are screened against the criteria for on-site access. Once screened, the application will proceed to the Microdata Release Panel (MRP) for approval.

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How do I apply for access?

Researchers should email the VML team first, including a telephone number so that the proposed project can be discussed. Subsequently, the application form should be completed and returned to the VML team.

Applications need to be approved by the MRP before access to the data is provided. The VML team will ensure the research application meets the necessary criteria before submitting it to the Microdata Release Panel (MRP) for a decision.

Training in using the VML facilities will be provided if necessary and to all new customers.

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Who can I contact for further information?

For further information on this survey email the VML team: maus@ons.gsi.gov.uk

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