About ONS business surveys

Office for National Statistics: who we are and what we do

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the executive office of the UK Statistics Authority and is the UK’s largest independent producer of official statistics. It is the recognised national statistical institute.

We produce well-known economic statistics such as:

• the Retail Sales Index
• gross domestic product (GDP)
• the UK Balance of Payments

We also produce a wide range of social statistics, including crime, migration and demography, and we conduct the 10-yearly population census for England and Wales.

How many business surveys does the ONS conduct?

The ONS conducts around 74 business surveys, sending approximately 2.3 million questionnaires to around 355,000 businesses from a total of around 3 million UK businesses.

We also run surveys jointly with other government departments, such as the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).

Who uses the data produced?

Data collected from our surveys are vital for:

• government
• HM Treasury
• financial institutions
• external forecasters

They are used to inform policy decisions, monitor the economy and measure inflation. Businesses, universities, the media and the public also use the data to understand trends and analyse government performance.

What are the benefits of statistics?

Statistics help:

• monitor the UK economy
• set interest rates
• identify market trends
• benchmark company performance
• guide decision making and planning

How was my business selected?

Businesses are selected from the Inter-Departmental Business Register (IDBR), which includes businesses and organisations registered for Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Value Added Tax (VAT), or with Companies House.

Selection is based on several factors, including:

• number of employees
• how many similar businesses exist
• business size

Large businesses (generally those with 100 or more employees) are always included because their data have a significant impact. Medium and small businesses are selected mainly on a rotational basis to maintain balanced and representative results.

Should we be receiving ONS business surveys?

Yes, if you are a:

• business
• organisation
• local authority or local education authority
• educational establishment
• charity
• church

Under Section 17 of the Statistics of Trade Act 1947, any organisation carrying on an undertaking is legally required to complete ONS business surveys.

What does the ONS consider to be a large or small business?

Business size definitions, as a general rule:

• large business: 100 or more employees
• medium business: 10 to 99 employees
• small business: fewer than 10 employees

What is the difference between employment and employees?

• employment is employees plus working proprietors
• employees are the number of people employed by the business

Will small businesses be selected?

Yes. Small and micro businesses are selected because their trading patterns often differ from larger organisations, which helps ensure that survey results are accurate and representative.

How many businesses are selected for each survey?

This varies. Each survey sample is set to the minimum size needed to produce high-quality statistics.

How long will I be selected for?

There is no fixed period. Selection depends on:

• the number of businesses in each size band
• changes in employment levels
• closures and new business registrations

Why have I been selected for more than one survey?

Each survey is run independently, so a business may be selected for more than one survey at the same time.

Is the selection process fair?

Yes. Over time, all businesses of the same size and industry have the same probability of being selected.

Is my data confidential?

Yes. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) takes the confidentiality of your data very seriously and is legally required to protect it. We follow strict safeguards under:

• Statistics and Registration Services Act 2007
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• Data Protection Act 2018
• Code of Practice for Statistics

Your information is handled using secure systems, trained staff and carefully controlled procedures. Only authorised ONS personnel can access your data, and only for the purpose of compiling official statistical information.

We do not disclose your data to anyone who is not authorised. Unauthorised disclosure would be treated as a disciplinary matter and could also be a criminal offence.

Your business’s information is used solely as part of aggregated industry level statistics. Published results never identify an individual business unless that business has explicitly given permission. Your data are treated as a contribution to overall statistical patterns, not as identifiable company information.

For full details about how the ONS stores and uses the data it collects, please read more about Looking after and using data for public benefit.

What if I do not want to provide data under the GDPR?

The ONS collects data under the Statistics of Trade Act 1947, which legally requires selected organisations to respond. This legal requirement continues to apply under GDPR. Failure to respond may result in legal action.

Why can you not get the data from VAT returns?

The ONS aims to reduce the burden on businesses. The Digital Economy Act 2017 allows greater data sharing from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) (for example, Value Added Tax (VAT), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Corporation Tax), which will reduce the need for some surveys as these systems develop.

Can I provide estimates?

Yes. You do not need to spend excessive time or incur extra costs. Informed estimates are acceptable because surveys measure economic trends, not precise individual figures.

What if I have no data to report?

A genuine zero return is perfectly valid and still contributes to understanding business trends.

What if my business is in administration or receivership?

Where possible, the ONS would still like the questionnaire completed. If you cannot provide the information, please notify us of the administrator or receiver’s details.

Can I send my data via email?

Yes. The ONS accepts emailed responses for paper surveys in the format of PDFs.

If your survey is online, you must use your Secure Data Collection account.

Can I complete the survey online?

The ONS remains committed to developing online systems so that all surveys can be completed online. Currently, this option is only available for a proportion of our surveys. You will be notified by letter when your survey moves to the Secure Data Collection service.

Why did I receive a reminder after returning my questionnaire?

Reminders are generated automatically, usually the day after the return by date. If your questionnaire was returned very close to the deadline, it may cross in the post with the reminder, or you may receive an email reminder notification.

Why are return dates early?

Some surveys have tight processing deadlines to provide early indicators of economic activity.

How is the ONS reducing the impact on businesses?

The ONS is committed to reducing burden by:

• exploring data-sharing with other government departments
• regularly reviewing surveys to keep demands to the minimum needed for reliable statistics

What authority does the ONS have?

Most business surveys are conducted under Section 1 of the Statistics of Trade Act 1947, meaning your business is legally required to respond.

Can I be exempt?

No. Once selected, you are legally obliged to complete the survey. There is no exemption or appeal process, but you can contact the ONS if there are circumstances they should be aware of.

What happens if I do not complete the questionnaire?

Failure to comply may lead to prosecution in a Magistrates Court, resulting in fines of up to £2,500. You will still be required to complete the survey even if prosecuted.

Will I be paid for completing an ONS survey?

No. Responding is a legal responsibility, not a paid service.

Will I be fined if I return it late?

The ONS does not fine for late responses, but failure to provide data could ultimately result in court action and penalties.

What happens if I provide false data?

Knowingly or recklessly providing false information is an offence under Section 4 of the Statistics of Trade Act 1947. Penalties range from a £4,000 fine and/or three months imprisonment, up to unlimited fines and two years’ imprisonment.

How will you know if the data are false?

Most surveys include validation checks. If entries appear unusual, the ONS may contact you for clarification.

What is the difference between “survey” and “questionnaire”?

• survey: the method used to collect information
• questionnaire: the document used to gather that information

Why are my data important?

The only way to measure the economy is to gather information from the businesses that drive it. Your data are essential.

Can I give feedback on questionnaires?

Yes. The ONS welcomes feedback.

Email: bdd.respondent.feedback.team@ons.gov.uk

What if I need help?

For help with a specific survey, visit Business survey enquiries for further information.

For website or publication queries, contact the Customer Contact Centre:

• telephone: 0845 601 3034
• email: info@statistics.gov.uk

How do I make a complaint?

Write to:
Respondent Feedback team
Office for National Statistics
Cardiff Road
Newport
NP10 8XG

or email: bdd.respondent.feedback.team@ons.gov.uk