ONS relents on individual targets after long stand-off
Hard-won gains have been achieved by members at the Office for National Statistics (ONS), who
refused to give up on their dispute over mandated office attendance.
Our branch has been involved in the stand-off for nearly two years, with more than 1,100 members
taking action short of a strike by refusing to comply with a new policy requiring them to spend at
least 40% of their time in the office.
They also increased the pressure with work-to-rule action.
Industrial relations improved following a change in leadership at ONS and meaningful talks have
been taking place since shortly after PCS members voted to renew their mandate in September.
Members are now being balloted on an offer which achieves the majority of the campaign aims.
Management have agreed to remove individual 40% attendance requirements in favour of an overall
target of 40%. Office attendance would be based on there being a clear purpose for it, making
it reasonable and meaningful.
ONS has also re-committed to additional flexibilities for members, including those who joined when
full-time homeworking was the norm, and for those with caring responsibilities, workplace
adjustments, and contractual homeworking arrangements.
After publication of this article, members voted to accept the ground-breaking deal, the first in the UK civil service.