Thu, 26 Jun 2025

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 UK's data agency has 'deep seated' issues, review finds

Problems at the Office for National Statistics, which provides data informing policy decisions affecting millions, need to be addressed so it can rebuild its reputation, a review says.

* A government review has criticized the UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) for "inadequacies" in its planning and decision-making processes.
* The review, led by Sir Robert Devereux, found that most of the ONS's problems stem from choices made at the top of the organization over several years.
* The ONS has been criticized for issues such as: + Reluctance to hear and act on difficult news + Defensiveness when responding to criticism + Repeated upward revisions to migration figures + Criticism from the Bank of England about the reliability of its job market data + Low pay for analysts making it hard to recruit and retain staff
* The review recommended splitting the top job of National Statistician into two, with a senior civil servant running the organization and a senior statistician providing technical advice.
* The ONS has welcomed the report and set out plans to improve its core economic statistics, which will be paid for by ending development of its data linking program and making management changes.
* The review also highlighted the need for a swift resolution to the standoff between management and staff on returning to working in the office.
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