Civil servants at the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have decisively voted in favor of strike action, escalating a dispute over mandatory office attendance. The conflict centers on a directive requiring staff to work from the office two days per week, a policy that has faced strong opposition since its introduction in May 2024.
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, representing hundreds of ONS workers, has now secured the authority to call for an all-out strike at any point within the next six months. This development marks a significant escalation from previous actions, which included refusing overtime and out-of-hours work.
Fran Heathcote, PCS general secretary, stated: "Our members have voted to escalate this, which could involve an all-out strike. Our industrial action has until now had no tangible impact on the ONS's outputs, but that can change now."
The potential disruption to ONS services could have far-reaching consequences due to the organization's critical role in producing UK economic statistics. Established in 1996, the ONS is the UK's largest independent producer of official statistics, responsible for generating over 650 different statistical releases annually. These include monthly data on inflation, employment, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which are closely monitored by government officials and Bank of England policymakers to assess economic performance.
The ONS, employing approximately 5,000 staff, operates from its main office in Newport, South Wales, with additional sites in London, Darlington, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Titchfield. The current attendance policy requires staff to spend at least 40% of their time in the office, which is less stringent than the 60% typically mandated for other civil servants.
"We have robust plans in place and do not anticipate any disruption to key ONS publications. Nevertheless, we still believe firmly that a reasonable level of office attendance is in the best interests of the ONS and of all our colleagues. Face-to-face interaction supports personal collaboration, learning and innovation."
The ONS plays a crucial role in conducting the census for England and Wales every decade, with the first UK census dating back to 1801. It also manages several important data services, including the Integrated Data Service, the Virtual Microdata Laboratory, and the UK Data Service, providing researchers with access to valuable government and social data.
Led by the National Statistician, currently Sir Ian Diamond since 2019, the ONS reports directly to the UK Parliament rather than government ministers, ensuring its independence. The organization is responsible for calculating key economic indicators such as the Consumer Prices Index and producing the UK House Price Index in collaboration with other government bodies.
As the dispute continues, the potential impact on the production of critical economic data remains a concern. The ONS's role in conducting surveys like the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings and the Labour Force Survey underscores the importance of resolving this conflict to maintain the flow of vital statistical information that informs policy decisions and economic analysis across the UK.