FDA welcomes independence for ONS

The Chancellor's plans to make the Office of National Statistics fully independent were welcomed today by the FDA, the union for senior managers and professionals in public service. "While the ONS has been working independently for some time, we welcome this measure that will strengthen and enhance the integrity government statistics," said FDA general secretary Jonathan Baume. The FDA, which represents statisticians across Whitehall, is as yet unclear as to the implications of setting up the arms-length body and will seek full consultation on its enactment. Ro Marsh, FDA national officer for the ONS, said: "We believe that our members are already able to produce statistics independent of political interference, but nonetheless welcome this measure which will enhance the public perception of their integrity. The details of how this new body will work are, as yet, unclear. It will be important that links with other Government departments in the sharing of statistics and data are maintained. We look forward to a full and meaningful consultation on setting up of the new body, including the implications on terms and conditions for our members." Notes for Editors 1. The FDA is the trade union and professional body representing 16,000 of the UK's senior civil and public servants. Our members include policy advisors, senior managers, tax inspectors, economists, statisticians, accountants, special advisers, government lawyers, diplomats, crown prosecutors and NHS managers. 2. The FDA should be referred to simply as "The FDA" and can be described as "the senior public servants' union". We hope you will avoid calling us the 'First Division Association' as this is not our name and causes all sorts of confusion with football clubs and the like. Thank you! 3. For further information contact: ? Jessica Stark, FDA head of communications, tel. 020 7343 1121 or 07967 484 441.