anecdotal

And from my own anecdotal evidence — working in preschools and schools throughout the U.S. and speaking with friends and family members back in the States — it does seem that European approaches are working better.

The latest ONS figures are supported by anecdotal reports that some businesses, already facing higher costs, paused hiring ahead of the Budget.

As the data is not recorded systematically, it is not clear whether these anecdotal reports indicate an unusually high prevalence of congenital abnormalities.

According to NAS, there are about 200 children waiting to be adopted, with anecdotal evidence suggesting some are not registering as prospective adopters because of the cost of living.

"This is anecdotal. I'm not a sociologist," she added.