Fri, 09 May 2025

Fri, 09 May 2025 Stats boss quits for health reasons after data controversy

Sir Ian Diamond is stepping down due to health issues, at a time when the ONS faces a crisis of confidence in its work.

* Sir Ian Diamond, head of the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS), has resigned due to health reasons.
* The ONS faces a crisis of confidence in its work after a report by the Office for Statistics Regulation highlighted concerns about data quality.
* The Labour Force Survey, which measures unemployment rates, is one of several issues identified.
* The ONS's flagship jobs survey has struggled with low response rates, leading to unreliable data and loss of credibility.
* A replacement employment survey was delayed and faced criticism from internal report highlighting wellbeing and confidence issues for staff.
* Statisticians went on strike over work-from-home policy reversal.
* The Cabinet Office announced a rapid review into the ONS's delivery of core statistics, organisational culture, structure and leadership.
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