02 June 2006
The Office for National Statistics faces a series of strikes by staff opposed to its relocation and job cut plans, after two civil service trade unions this week balloted members over industrial action.
Prospect, which represents specialist civil servants, and the Public and Commercial Services union, which represents 2,000 ONS staff, began balloting their members on May 30.
The unions are opposed to ONS plans to axe 800 posts and relocate 900 staff from their current offices in London and Titchfield, Hampshire.
The ONS, soon to become independent of government, intends to relocate most staff to Newport, Wales.
Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, said: 'Staff are angry at the haphazard, illogical approach that management is taking in cutting jobs and relocating posts. They want to see a well-funded ONS that is fit for purpose.
'There are major flaws in the management's business planning, which will undermine the organisation's ability to deliver as it moves towards independence.'
PFjun2006
