Integrated Household Survey
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has introduced a core set of questions to six of its UK population surveys. The data for these core questions have been combined into a single dataset called the Integrated Household Survey (IHS). The first results from the Integrated Household Survey have been published by ONS today at:-
http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlnk=15381
The core questions cover seven broad topic areas -- demographics, labour market,income, education & qualifications, housing, migration and health. A question on self identified sexual orientation has been introduced to the IHS following a substantial programme of work by the ONS to develop an acceptable question which would not have an adverse effect on survey response rates. The IHS results contain the first official estimates of the proportion of the UK population who identify as Gay,Lesbian or Bisexual.
The total sample size of the IHS across the UK is almost 450,000 with a sample size in Scotland of 55,000.
The IHS results have been classified as 'experimental statistics' by ONS. Experimental statistics are new statistics undergoing evaluation. They are published in order to involve users and stakeholders in their development and as a means to build in quality. As such users should exercise some caution when analysing and interpreting IHS data. As the data are experimental ONS recommends that any publication that includes IHS data should state the experimental branding.
Further information can be obtained from:-
Neil Bannister, 01633 455 704, neil.bannister@ons.gsi.gov.uk
Caroline Jones, 01633 456 734, caroline.jones@ons.gsi.gov.uk
