ONS take industrial action over hybrid working policy
Prospect members at the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have vote to extend further industrial action short of strike in their ongoing dispute over the department’s handling of its return-to-office policy.
The policy, announced in spring 2024 and implemented later that year, requires staff to attend the workplace at least 40% of the time. It was introduced without meaningful consultation and ignores successful flexible and hybrid working arrangements that have previously delivered strong results for both ONS and the public.
Prospect has in ONS consistently called for a fair, evidence-based approach where office attendance is driven by purpose, not arbitrary targets. This reflects the wider work that the union has had across the rest of the public sector to develop a flexible, nuanced approach.
Talks are ongoing, and there is hope that a change in senior management will seek a resolution to this dispute, but members remain united in seeking a respectful and modern approach to working practices.
Members remain concerned that the blanket requirement lacks a clear rationale and disproportionately affects those with disabilities, caring responsibilities, or long commutes. The Devereux Review has already criticised ONS’s culture of poor engagement and failure to listen to staff and trade unions, concerns that were echoed in recent Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC) sessions.
While ONS had not rigidly enforced its office attendance policy until recently, there has been a renewed push to increase attendance toward the mandated levels.
Prospect continues to engage constructively with ONS and is also working with the Government Property Agency (GPA) to make sure offices and regional hubs have appropriate, inclusive workspaces—supporting all staff, including those who are neurodiverse.
Talks are ongoing, and Prospect hopes that new senior leadership at ONS will take the opportunity to reset relations and work collaboratively towards a resolution.
