UK’s prime statistician Sir Ian Diamond quits following row over financial information

Britain’s most senior statistician has give up as head of the Workplace for Nationwide Statistics (ONS) within the wake of criticism of potential inaccuracies in a few of its financial information.

Sir Ian Diamond mentioned in an announcement he had resigned with quick impact “on account of ongoing well being points”.

He had led the company for the previous 5 years, together with overseeing nationwide COVID figures throughout the pandemic.

Nonetheless, MPs and Financial institution of England officers have not too long ago criticised the ONS amid issues over the reliability of a few of its information, significantly its labour market survey.

The labour market survey is the UK’s official measure of how many individuals are in work, however response charges have plummeted and the general public physique has been pressured to transform it in consequence, with the company anticipated to modify to a brand new mannequin by 2027.

The ONS additionally not too long ago launched modifications to the way it measures inflation. Such information influences the Financial institution of England’s choices on rates of interest, which in flip have an effect on the price of borrowing and financial savings.

Learn extra from Sky Information:
Males responsible of chopping down well-known tree
New Pope holds first mass
Discount Hunt knowledgeable admits terror cost

In February, Sir Ian revealed he had been pressured to make £34m of cuts in recent times whereas going through “plenty of inflationary pressures”.

The UK Statistics Authority mentioned Emma Rourke, deputy nationwide statistician for well being, inhabitants and strategies, would take his place till “longer-term preparations” have been agreed.

In an announcement, Sir Ian mentioned: “It has been an honour and a privilege to guide the ONS over the previous five-and-a-half years and I’ve been immensely pleased with the outstanding function that unbiased statistics and information have performed in informing the vital choices of the day.

“Sadly I’ve made the choice that, on account of ongoing well being points, I’m unable to offer the dedication to the function of nationwide statistician that I wish to and really feel that it’s the proper time for any person else to choose up the baton.”