ONS chief to appear in front of MPs amid ongoing labour market data problems
The National Statistician, Professor Sir Ian Diamond, will give evidence on economic statistics to the Treasury Select Committee in a one-off session next week.
Meeting details
Professor Sir Ian is Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, which involves leading the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Since the pandemic, the ONS has seen a collapse in responses to its Labour Force Survey leading to reservations over its reliability as an informative tool for monetary and fiscal policy.
In December 2024, Professor Sir Ian sent a letter to the Committee where he ruled out the possibility that the transition to the online replacement Transformed Labour Force Survey (TLFS) will happen this year. Sir Ian cites an ambition to transition to the TLFS in 2026 with the possibility of delays until 2027.
The Chair of the Committee, Dame Meg Hillier, responded by saying:
“This letter paints a daunting picture. The fact that we could be waiting another two full years until we see such a crucial dataset reach the proper standard is a major blow. These delays will make some of the most consequential decisions taken by the Treasury and Bank of England challenging at best and misinformed at worst.”
MPs are likely to focus questioning on the reasons behind the continuing issues plaguing UK labour market data and when the situation is likely to improve.
Sam Carling MP will join the session as a guest Member from the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee.