Grade, Group and Classify – A new service at SwissPeaks, NS-SEC coding


SwissPeaks has now opened the door to a niche data collection activity, in that we can manage the inclusion of NS-SEC data in research projects.

NS-SEC is an occupation based classification using specific rules that will provide coverage of the entire adult population (i.e. also includes unemployed, retired, and student respondents). A series of questions to derive NS-SEC must be included when collecting data - in practice NS-SEC is determined and coded at the data entry stage.

Historically, two methods of socio-economic classification have been used in UK statistics and research; Social Class (SC) based on occupation and SEG (socio-economic groups). In 2000 a new standard occupational classification (SOC2000) was published and, as a result, a definitive economic classification NS-SEC (National Statistics Socio-economic Classification) was introduced (designed to replace SC and SEG).

Questions relating to employment status, ownership and size of employer, and job title/status allow derivation of SOC2000 (4 digit numeric). When the SOC2000 classification is present then NS-SEC analytic classes (8 categories representing employment positions/ statuses, e.g. 1 Higher managerial and professional occupations) and NS-SEC operational categories (40 sub-categories of overall classes, e.g. L1 employers in large organisations) can be formulated.

Note: NS-SEC codes can also be back coded into the historical classification methods: SC and SEG.

Further information on NS-SEC and additional UK statistics can be found at http://www.statistics.gov.uk/default.asp.

Alternatively, if you’d like SwissPeaks to assist with NS-SEC on a specific project need, please e-mail info@swisspeaks.com.
 

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