Revision of UK Standard Industrial Classification (UK SIC)

ONS have announced the launch of the revision of UK Standard Industrial Classification (UK SIC). 

This is in line with the results of the Public Consultation on UK SIC alignment.

Full details can be found at SIC Revision Process

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) are inviting all users, producers, and interested parties to contribute to the revision of the current SIC 2007 and the SIC 2026 framework. The project is governed by a cross-government Steering Group, including Statistical Heads of Profession (HoPs) from the UK Government Statistical Service (GSS).

ONS are sharing the Proposed SIC Framework (also provided at the bottom of this page) for you to review and comment on. It is a starter guide showing how UK SIC has and could further change, in line with Eurostat’s Nomenclature of Economic Activities (NACE). The proposed framework outlines initial workings, following the revision of related international classifications: the United Nations’ International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) and Eurostat’s NACE. It may not include representations already made through the consultation and international revisions. Stakeholder views and suggestions for changes to the UK SIC framework will continue to be considered through the coordinator process.

Information on the changes and intended future work by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), in collaboration with other government departments, and input from the coordinators, is provided in the SIC 2026 Framework Guidance document on the ONS website (also available at the bottom of this page).

The proposed SIC 2026 framework has been divided across a team of cross-government coordinators according to activity expertise areas. I, Dette Cowden, am the Coordinator for a wider, more generic interest in the classification from a Scottish perspective, and not in any particular activity. If you wish to express interest in a particular activity/sector please contact me, before 28 September 2025, using the contact details below. I will put you in contact with the correct coordinator. Please do not complete the Expressions of Interest form on the ONS website without contacting me first.

As a Coordinator I will collate, review and quality assure proposals in collaboration with you and all our stakeholders and conclude by submitting an agreed, consolidated and assured SIC Revision Proposal(s) to the Office for National Statistics, in line with the set proposal criteria. Finalised proposals will be submitted to the ONS by 31 October 2025. These will be reviewed via both internal (ONS) and external (cross-government) governing bodies. Governance reviews and approvals will follow, with the SIC 2026 framework to be published by 31 March 2026.

I look forward to engaging with you and receiving your proposal(s); should you have any queries, please contact me using the contact details provided below.