The investigation into the integration of Ministry of Social Development (MSD) benefit data with the Linked Employer-Employee Data (LEED) production system indicates that the integration is feasible. This conclusion was reached following an examination of the quality and characteristics of the input data, its ability to support the proposed use and an examination of the issues surrounding the protection of individual privacy and data confidentiality.
The quality of the base data will support the requirements for the production of relevant, high quality statistical outputs (including improvements to existing LEED statistics). These outputs will provide insights into employment outcomes of particular types of beneficiaries. This information is not readily available from other sources.
There is a very high degree of consistency between the LEED and Benefit Dynamics Dataset (BDD1) data both at the individual and benefit spell level. Benefit type, demographic and other variables available in BDD can be linked to LEED in 92-99 percent of cases.2
Work undertaken to test the ability of the data to support policy relevant research has confirmed the potential of integrated LEED-MSD data in this area. The results of the demonstration research suggest that integrating LEED and data from the MSD benefit dynamics dataset would provide a valuable new data source for research on the dynamics of benefit receipt and paid work.
A privacy impact assessment was prepared for this feasibility study identifying privacy risks and processes for managing these risks. Statistics NZ has addressed potential concerns regarding the use of information for this feasibility study by ensuring that:
- The data is only used for statistical purposes.
- The data had identifiers removed as early as possible during processing.
- No identifiable information will be released.
- Access to the data is subject to Statistics NZ, Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and MSD protocols.
- All source data from MSD and integrated datasets used in this feasibility study will be destroyed by Statistics NZ once this report has been published.
The level of resource needed to support a production project, should it be approved, for integrating LEED and MSD benefit data is likely to be able to be met within current establishment.
This feasibility study was a joint project between Statistics New Zealand and the Ministry of Social Development. The major contribution of seconded researchers from the Department of Labour and MSD is gratefully acknowledged. The project also benefited from peer review by Inland Revenue.