What's Happening?
Civil servants at the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have intensified their industrial action by implementing a zero-office attendance policy. This move is part of a long-standing dispute over changes to hybrid-working policies, which began in April 2024. The PCS union, representing over 1,200 members, has been in continuous industrial action since May 2024, initially resisting mandated office-attendance targets. The union's mandate for strike action and action short of strike is valid until the end of September, with plans to reballot members soon. The dispute has been exacerbated by management's attempts to enforce attendance based on minimal business requirements, undermining the union's efforts to restore working autonomy.
Why It's Important?
The escalation of industrial action at the ONS highlights significant challenges in public sector labor relations, particularly concerning hybrid-working policies. The dispute underscores broader issues within the ONS, as revealed by a recent review and comments from the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee. The situation has damaged the department's reputation, affecting its ability to effectively manage national statistics. The outcome of this dispute could influence future public sector policies on remote work and employee autonomy, impacting thousands of civil servants and potentially setting precedents for other government departments.
What's Next?
The ONS is working to address the pressing issues with its key statistics, with the new permanent secretary prioritizing engagement with staff. The PCS union is expected to continue demanding negotiations for a settlement. The department's response to the union's demands and the effectiveness of the new leadership in resolving the dispute will be crucial in determining the future of hybrid-working policies at the ONS.
