Health and well-being

If you use ONS Secure Research Service data and would like to discuss writing a future case study with us, please get in touch at SRS.Impact@ons.gov.uk. Please also report any outputs using the Outputs Reporting Form.

October 2025

This research used Census 2021 population data within an ONS Trusted Research Environment to produce more accurate subnational estimates of type 2 diabetes prevalence in England.

By linking record‑level data on age, sex, ethnicity and deprivation, analysts developed more robust demographic profiles than were possible using older Census 2011 data or administrative sources. The updated estimates are now used widely across the health system, supporting planning by local authorities, Integrated Care Boards and national organisations such as NHS England and Diabetes UK. This work shows how high‑quality data can strengthen public health decision‑making and inform future modelling.

Read the full case study at: Using Census 2021 data to improve diabetes prevalence estimates – Government Analysis Function.

September 2025

This study used the Public Health Research Database to examine suicide rates across all major ethnic groups in England and Wales.

It found that most minority ethnic groups have lower suicide rates than the White British population, with the exception of individuals from Mixed backgrounds and White Gypsy or Irish Traveller communities. The research provided the first national estimates of suicide risk across 18 ethnic groups and has informed national policy discussions through the National Suicide Prevention Advisory Group. The findings highlight urgent needs in specific communities and support targeted public health interventions and future research priorities.

Read the full case study at: Ethnicity and suicide in England and Wales – ADR UK

April 2025

Virus Watch was a large community cohort study tracking coronavirus (COVID-19) incidence, transmission and immunity across more than 58,000 participants in England and Wales between 2020 and 2025.

The study linked detailed survey data with health records, virology testing and antibody samples to provide comprehensive evidence on symptoms, behaviours and vaccine effectiveness. Its findings informed national policy, including decisions by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, and evidence submitted to the UK COVID‑19 Inquiry. The dataset has become an important resource for public health research, generating over 30 peer‑reviewed publications and supporting national and international COVID‑19 response efforts.

Read the full case study at: Creating the Virus Watch dataset – ADR UK

March 2026

Research undertaken by the UCL Centre for Education Policy using data accessed via the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Secure Research Service (SRS) examined how the COVID‑19 pandemic affected young people's educational progress, wellbeing and future opportunities. 

Drawing on over 12,800 pupils from the COVID Social Mobility & Opportunities (COSMO) study – linked to the National Pupil Database and Longitudinal Education Outcomes – the research found that the pandemic deepened existing socioeconomic inequalities. Disadvantaged pupils faced greater disruption to learning, poorer digital access, and more financial pressures at home. These pupils were more likely to receive lower GCSE Teacher Assessed Grades and to change their education or career plans. Young people affected by long COVID, shielding, or economic hardship were also significantly more likely to alter post‑18 plans. 

Catch‑up tutoring reached the pupils who needed it most, but uptake remained low, meaning it could not mitigate learning losses at scale. 

The COSMO findings have informed government policy discussions, third‑sector strategies, and contributed evidence to the UK COVID‑19 Inquiry (Module 8: Children & Young People). Engagement events with departments including DfE and DHSC have helped translate insights into practical recommendations for supporting pupils' recovery. 

Read more of their work.

SRS data used: Department of Education, Bespoke National Pupil Database extracts. DDOI

Research using data accessed through our Secure Research Service (SRS) examined how health conditions and life events affect employment, earnings and benefit use over time. The work focused on people across England and Wales, exploring how factors such as major health conditions, maternity, and access to healthcare influence labour market participation.

Drawing on linked administrative datasets combining Census data with health, earnings and benefit records, the research found that poor health is strongly associated with reduced employment and lower earnings. Individuals experiencing major health conditions or long waiting times for treatment were more likely to leave work or have reduced hours. The research also highlighted the economic impacts of specific life events, including motherhood, where changes in employment and earnings persisted over time.

This work has strengthened the evidence base for the relationship between health and the economy. It has informed policy discussions across HM Treasury, the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England, including contributions to the Women's Health Strategy for England, and analysis supporting the UK's 2025 Autumn Budget. The findings are helping policymakers better understand how improving health outcomes can support economic growth and reduce inequalities.

Data used: Office for National Statistics; NHS England; HM Revenue and Customs; Department for Work and Pensions, released various dates; ONS SRS Metadata Catalogue, linked administrative datasets combining Census, health, earnings and benefit data (accessed through the ONS Secure Research Service).

Additional data sources: NHS Mental Health Services, medicines data.

Read the full How the National Statistician's Analysis Unit uses data for policy insight case study.