At the Office for National Statistics (ONS), we collect, store, process and use data to produce statistics. Some of these data come from the census of England and Wales that happens every 10 years. We also collect data through monthly, quarterly and annual surveys, as well as several one-off surveys.
Survey data are made up of the personal information that people share when they complete these surveys. Sometimes, we combine these data with other sources to produce our statistics.
Through our surveys, we collect information on a wide range of topics, such as health, housing, employment and education. The information we collect allows us to get a clear picture of life in the UK. With this information, we can produce statistics that reflect our population.
Central and local government, businesses and individuals use our statistics on society and the economy to make decisions and plan for the future.
It is vital that people continue to take part in our surveys, so that our statistics are as accurate and representative as possible.
Surveys about people, families and households
We carry out several surveys about people, families and households.
Family Resources Survey
The Family Resources Survey (FRS) collects data on the living standards and circumstances of people living in the UK. It provides vital information that helps the government develop policies that help everyone.
Household Assets Survey
The Household Assets Survey (HAS) tells us how households in Great Britain are managing their finances. It focuses on household assets and debts, borrowing and saving, and plans for retirement, which helps to inform government policy on pensions.
Labour Force Survey
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) provides the official measures of employment and unemployment of the UK population. It helps us to produce statistics about work, unemployment, training, retirement and looking after the family and home.
Living Costs and Food Survey
The Living Costs and Food Survey (LCF) collects data on spending patterns and the cost of living. It provides information about household spending patterns and food consumption and nutrition.
Opinions and Lifestyle Survey
This Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (OPN) is a national survey about your household and how you have been affected by recent topics of national importance, such as health and the cost of living. Your answers help government departments, charities and public bodies make decisions and plans to meet the country's changing needs.
Survey on Living Conditions
The Survey on Living Conditions (SLC) collects information on household resources, housing, employment, education, pensions and health. It helps the government understand how different parts of society are managing, informing policies that combat poverty and social exclusion.
International Passenger Survey
The International Passenger Survey (IPS) collects information about passengers leaving the UK.
We also conducted the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey during the coronavirus pandemic, and the Winter Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Study.
Find out more about how we select households for our surveys about people, families and households.
Business surveys
We carry out many different surveys with businesses, organisations and local authorities in the UK. They are conducted on a fortnightly, monthly, quarterly and annual basis and include the:
Monthly and Annual Business Surveys (MBS and ABS)
Business Insights and Conditions Survey (BICS)
Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE)
We also carry out other business surveys with government departments, such as the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Business survey data are crucial for government, HM Treasury, financial institutions and other external forecasters. These data help to inform policy-making decisions, track changes in the economy and are one of the main ways to measure inflation.
Businesses, universities, the media and the public also use these data to monitor the government's performance and gain a better understanding of the UK economy.
How we carry out our surveys
We carry out our surveys online, in-person, over the phone and on paper.
Find out more about how you can complete our surveys.
Keeping your data safe
We sometimes share survey information with other government departments, approved organisations and accredited researchers for statistical purposes.
We also share selected information with our service providers to help us run our surveys. This includes details such as your name and address, which means we can deliver letters to you.
We protect the data you share and keep your answers confidential. You cannot be identified in the results we publish or the information we share with others.