Background
Data from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) are used across Government and beyond for a wide range of activities. Within BIS they are used, among other things, to examine the relationship between qualifications, employment and earnings and to measure attainment levels. The data are also used to underpin some PSA targets.
Project Challenge
The growth rate in attainment among adults observed in recent years, in various available administrative datasets, appeared to be higher than the growth rate observed in the LFS data. This raised concerns that the measure of attainment based on the LFS may not be capturing all of the attainment activity at the present time. RM Data Solutions were initially commissioned to investigate possible sources of bias in LFS estimates, and then to design a solution that would yield more accurate estimates. Completing the project successfully therefore demanded a combination of expertise both in educational attainment data and in survey design methodology.
The timescales for the project were extremely tight. There were two months between being commissioned (August 2009) to undertake the work and to produce an interim report (October 2009). A final report, setting out a proposed solution, is due for completion in February 2010
How we did it
RM Data Solutions worked extensively with key stakeholders within BIS, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and an independent quality assurer to define a set of research questions. This was followed by an intensive period of secondary data analysis, using both LFS data and matched administrative data sources, to outline the limitations of using LFS to measure attainment among adults. The report of this phase of research has now been published (http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/2ACAE939-BBA5-4010-AD94-84FB8826026A/0/ResearchintoMeasuringAdultAttainmentUsingtheLabourForceSurvey.pdf).
In Phase 2 of the project, due to be completed in February 2010, we are examining ways in which estimates of adult attainment derived from LFS can be improved. Our in-house expertise has been supplemented by colleagues from the University of Westminster Business School.
Benefits
The Phase 1 Report sets out, for the first time, the limitations of using LFS to measure levels of attainment among the adult population in England. The Phase 2 report will suggest methods for improving LFS estimates over time that correct for important sources of bias such as non-response and response by proxy. This will provide BIS with a clearer understanding of current levels of attainment among adults in order to better plan future provision.
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