This dataset provides 2011 estimates that classify usual residents aged 16 to 74 in England and Wales by year last worked. The estimates are as at census day, 27 March 2011.

Information on economic activity status is used by central and local government, researchers and other organisations to understand local labour markets and to develop and monitor policies at local and regional levels. It is used to identify deprived areas, to allocate community and economic development funding, and for housing and transport planning purposes. The statistics produced show local labour markets and social patterns linked to employment and unemployment. When used with information on sex, age, ethnicity, health and disability, the statistics identify areas where a barrier to employment exists and allows the targeting of resources and policies to encourage people to work.

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.