Scathing ONS report reflects long-standing concerns of Prospect members

An independent review for the government of the performance and culture at the Office for National Statistics has found ‘deep-seated’ issues and a ‘reluctance, at senior levels, to hear and act on difficult news.’

The review was conducted by Sir Robert Devereux KCB and can be seen in full here.

Steve Thomas, Prospect Deputy General Secretary, responding to the Devereux review of ONS, said:

“The Devereux report confirms what Prospect, and our members, have been saying for some time: that there have been serious and ongoing failings in how the ONS has managed key issues such as the return to the office, low pay, and recruitment and retention of skilled staff.

“We welcome the report’s recognition that the return to the office was poorly handled and agree that rebuilding trust will require meaningful acknowledgement of past mistakes. Prospect remains committed to helping to resolve workplace issues so that industrial disputes can be avoided, but this will require ONS leadership to engage constructively with union and staff concerns and to get back round the table with us and deal with the fundamental issues.

“The report also highlights systemic issues around pay, performance management, and the lack of investment in skills—factors that have left the ONS struggling to retain the talent it depends on. These are not new problems, and we urge the ONS and its sponsoring department to treat them with the seriousness they deserve.”