Since our initial statement on 18 July, the Office for National Statistics has continued to investigate an issue with the collection of occupational data in our surveys.
The issue was caused by the implementation of the updated Standard Occupational Classification from SOC 2010 to SOC 2020 in January 2021, which led some survey respondents to be coded to an incorrect occupation. The issue mainly affects detailed occupational breakdowns, with broad breakdowns expected to be largely unaffected.
We are working as quickly as possible to resolve this issue. In September we will publish an assessment of which occupations have been affected, to what extent and provide a timeline for publishing corrected data.
In the meantime, if any users have any questions, please contact us at media.relations@ons.gov.uk or socialsurveys@ons.gov.uk.