Firstly, there is an initial list of some key sources of data available to you at a local (neighbourhood) level. Many are easily available and some require specific request. Datasets are updated at different frequencies, some monthly (eg. Claimant figures) some every 10 years (Census) and this will determine their usefulness for base-lining or measuring change over time.

Secondly, we have listed other sources of evidence available at Local Authority level or higher, which may be useful for context, comparison and 'scene setting'. Along with this we have provided some basic sources of qualitative evidence which includes survey findings, case studies, good practice and can be used to identify evidence of 'what works'.

We have also included some links for further guidance and assistance. This includes contact details for people who may be able to support you further in identifying, accessing and effectively using evidence to support your work.

The Office for National Statistics' Neighbourhood Statistics site provides local level information across a whole range of themes. In relation to worklessness are the sections: Economic Activity and Students, Education, Skills & Training. Type in the postcode of the area you're interested in and it outputs a useful summary.

The Office for National Statistics' labour force data site includes numerous datasets in: Annual Business Enquiry (ABI) available at ward level along with Claimant Count; and Jobcentre-Plus Vacancies at ward & lower super output area (LSOA) monthly. Other datasets available at Local Authority level include: Annual Population Survey, The Labour Force Survey; DWP Benefits (incapacity benefit etc.); If you can't work out how to access data –call the helpline – they're usually very friendly and helpful!

The most comprehensive survey of the country includes many indicators relating to worklessness. Available at a very small geography it's excellent for baselining but unsuitable for tracking change due to limitation is its frequency (last updated 2001 – next update will be in 2011, published 2013).

The Indices of Deprivation is the government's standard for identifying local deprivation across England. The country is separated into 32,482 small areas called 'Lower Level Super Output Areas' (LSOA) and each is ranked according to various measures of deprivation. Each LSOA covers around 1500-2000 population and the ID2004 provides a snapshot of deprivation in 2001-2002. Various Indices related to worklessness including: Employment Deprivation, Education and Skills Deprivation; Income Deprivation; Income Deprivation affecting Older People and Income Deprivation affecting Children. For further details about what data underlies the Indices and the data for all LSOAs:
Visit the ODPM website

Most areas have also produced their own localised summaries (see contacts below to find out) and there is also a summary available for the South West region:
See the South West summary

The IDBR contains details such as number of employees, turnover etc. for all businesses in the UK registered for VAT or PAYE. It is available at small area level and is updated annually but must be requested directly from the Office for National Statistics (they charge a nominal fee for analysts time)

Provides business population statistics based on information from the YELL database (businesses registered with a phone line). Also available are comprehensive lists of all businesses in your area. Requires subscription fee.

Data4NR is a data signposting tool to help you locate data to support the delivery of Neighbourhood Renewal in your area. Resources are organised into themes and can be specified by sub-district level, regularly updated, age, gender and ethnic group. Provides comprehensive descriptions of data and links to their source.

Provides an on-line library of information about for the region. It has been set up by the South West Observatory to help promote the use of evidence in the region's policy making, and is also a resource for business, schools, students and the general public. It contains both narrative and numerical data. Search by the categories: business & economy, learning, skills & employment.

FTI provides annually updated datasets relating to floortargets which enables users to examine performance at the national, regional and local authority level. Includes worklessness data such as: Employment rate (including for groups such as: lone parents,ethnic minorities, >50yrs, no qualifications); Enterprise: VAT registrations per 10,000 adults; Measure of productivity; Self employment rate.
Visit the FTI site

FTI also produce some useful graphical area summaries for all NR areas. Available for Penwith, Kerrier, Plymouth and Bristol in the South West:
Visit FTI graphical summaries

Provides guides to good practice around learning and skills

Provide a collection useful documents relating to worklessness including policy guidance, research, FAQs and links:

Policy Hub provides access to a range of practical tools and resources that support the access and use of evidence.
Visit the Policy Hub Evidence database

Policy Hub also provide various links to other organisations and resources that will help you find evidence on social and economic issues in the United Kingdom and Internationally
Policy Hub Links

The SBS is an agency of the Department of Trade and Industry. They support the startup and growth of business in the UK. Mainly focused on enterprise development, they offer various relevant data and research resources including work in NR areas.

Various guides and information about datasets are provided with the sources themselves however, there are also various helplines and intelligence/information advisers you can call upon for further support and guidance in identifying, sourcing and effectively using evidence. If you cannot find what you need here, then try here: HELP! Find the evidence you need.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have provided a handbook 'Guide to Regional & Local Labour Market Statistics'.

The South West is particularly well provided for with an established network of local intelligence units which provide signposting and links to a wide range of data relating to skills and employment in the locality. Many datasets are made available online and you can contact the LINs directly to ask for advice on various data related issues.

Provide a Helpdesk service for those who need support with finding or interpreting skills and learning related research and data.

Provide a helpline to advise you on information sources relevant to business & economy in the South West.

In some cases, GOSW can facilitate assistance from a Neighbourhood Renewal Adviser to help you identify, access and use the evidence you need to improve your work. For further details

Note: If you aware of other useful resources, links or contacts which could be added to this resource please forward to seld@swo.org.uk