Office for National Statistics

The UK statistics agency, known as the Office for National Statistics (ONS), is described as vital but has faced issues with errors and poor leadership.

The UK statistics agency, the Office for National Statistics (ONS), admitted a fresh error in key jobs data, warning of a 'level of reduced quality' and highlighting a setback for efforts to restore confidence in the figures.

Retail sales in Great Britain rose 1.2% in May, driven by demand for fans and paddling pools due to hot weather, according to the Office for National Statistics. Online purchases also contributed to the growth, marking the strongest monthly sales increase since January.

The UK borrowed £23.3bn in May, exceeding expectations as the economic impact of the Iran war intensifies. This borrowing, the second highest for any May on record, highlights fiscal challenges for Andy Burnham if he becomes Labour leader.

The UK unemployment rate fell to 4.9% in April, down from 5% in March, while wages grew more than expected. These developments are likely to pressure the Bank of England to raise interest rates despite a peace deal in the Middle East.

UK inflation remained at 2.8% last month, defying expectations of a rise to 3%, as slower food price increases offset higher transport and fuel costs. The Office for National Statistics reported the figure despite concerns about the Middle East conflict's impact on energy prices.

Young people in England are increasingly losing faith in their futures as a record number fear long-term unemployment. A report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) found that confidence among 16- to 21-year-olds has fallen sharply, with many doubting hard work will lead to success.

Retail sales in Great Britain declined by 1.3% in April, marking the worst monthly performance in a year. The drop was primarily driven by motorists reducing petrol and fuel purchases at the fastest rate since the Covid pandemic, amid uncertainty over Iran tensions. The decline significantly exceeded forecasts of -0.6%.

The UK's public sector net borrowing reached £24.3bn in April 2026, exceeding forecasts by £4.9bn compared to April 2025. Rising inflation has increased pension and benefits costs, while bond market volatility and geopolitical concerns have driven monthly debt interest payments to £10.3bn.

Net migration to the UK has declined by nearly 50 percent, falling to 171,000 in the 12 months ending December from 331,000 a year prior. The significant decrease is attributed to the implementation of tighter immigration policies by the UK government.

Net migration to the UK fell by nearly 50% to 171,000 in the last year, reaching its lowest level since 2021 according to official ONS figures. The decline is presented as a policy win for Keir Starmer's Labour government following their commitment to reduce migration numbers. The government views migration control as a key political battleground against Reform UK.

UK net migration fell to 171,000 in the year to December 2025, the lowest figure since 2021, representing an 82% decline over three years according to Office for National Statistics data. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood characterized the figures as evidence of government progress on border control, emphasizing the need to restore order while remaining welcoming to contributors.

Net migration to the UK has decreased to 171,000 according to new official data, marking a decline from previous figures. However, the number of asylum seekers continues to rise despite the overall reduction in net migration. This mixed trend reflects ongoing challenges in immigration policy and border management.

The UK inflation rate has fallen to its lowest level in over a year, indicating a potential slowdown in price growth. This decrease may have implications for monetary policy and consumer spending. The exact rate of inflation was not specified in the article.

The UK unemployment rate has risen to 5% in March, indicating a tough year for households. This increase is attributed to the Iran war, which has affected the economic upturn. The Office for National Statistics reported this rise after an unexpected fall to 4.9% in the previous month.

UK unemployment has risen to 5% and wage growth has slowed to 3.4% due to the impact of the Iran war on businesses, according to the Office for National Statistics. This increase is unexpected, as City economists had predicted a stable rate. The rising energy costs are squeezing firms.

The UK unemployment rate has risen to 5% as companies shed jobs, indicating a challenging labor market. This increase suggests that businesses are reducing their workforce, potentially due to economic uncertainty. The rise in unemployment may have significant implications for the UK economy.

The UK economy grew 0.3% in March despite the Iran war, surpassing expectations. This growth suggests the conflict has not significantly impacted the economy. The Office for National Statistics reported this unexpected growth.

The UK is projected to see deaths outnumber births annually from 2026, with slower population growth than previously expected. The population is forecast to rise by 2.5% (to 71 million) by 2034 before declining in the mid-2050s.

The UK population is projected to grow more slowly due to a decline in net migration, reaching 71 million by 2034 according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The UK's healthy life expectancy has declined, with people spending fewer years in good health compared to a decade ago. The Health Foundation attributes this to an obesity crisis, 2.8 million working-age Britons unable to work due to illness, and rising mental health issues.

Retail sales in Great Britain increased by 0.7% in March, driven by a surge in fuel purchases and favorable weather. The rise was partly attributed to motorists buying fuel amid escalating prices linked to the Iran war.

The UK government borrowed £132bn for the financial year ending in March, undershooting its £132.7bn target by £700m. However, the ongoing Iran war is expected to disrupt fiscal 'headroom' calculated by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the coming months.

UK inflation rose to 3.3% in March due to surging fuel prices linked to the Iran war, exacerbating household financial pressures and economic slowdown concerns. The Office for National Statistics reported the increase from February's 3%, aligning with economists' forecasts.

The UK jobs market showed a surprise drop in unemployment to 4.9% in the three months to February, but remains fragile due to weak wage growth and inflation pressures. The Iran war further threatens the UK’s economic recovery.

UK unemployment fell to 4.9% in the three months to February, a surprise drop compared to 5.2% in January. However, pay growth hit a five-year low, and the conflict in the Middle East is expected to lead to increased job cuts.

UK GDP grew by 0.5% in February 2024, exceeding economists' 0.1% forecast, with January's growth revised upward to 0.1%. The unexpected expansion suggests economic momentum before the Middle East conflict disrupted recovery hopes.

ONS staff have secured the right to work from home full-time. This policy change reflects improved flexibility and work-life balance for employees. The decision highlights evolving workplace norms and employee rights.