This dataset provides 2011 Census estimates that classify usual residents aged 16 and over in England and Wales by NS-SeC, by ethnic group and by age. The estimates are as at census day, 27 March 2011.

These statistics are used to help in developing and monitoring policy aimed at assessing the needs of population according to their socio-economic status. This information is used to plan services and target resources, and allows public authorities to assess and tackle discrimination.

In order to protect against disclosure of personal information from the 2011 Census, there has been swapping of records in the Census database between different geographic areas, and so some counts will be affected. In the main, the greatest effects will be at the lowest geographies, since the record swapping is targeted towards those households with unusual characteristics in small areas.

More details on the ONS Census disclosure control strategy may be found on the Statistical Disclosure Control page on the ONS web site.