ONS throws new light on productivity

Productivity is one of the most important areas of economic statistics because improvements in living standards depend on improvements in productivity. An increased focus by government on measures to increase productivity and output has brought about a demand for better statistics. ONS has responded to that demand and is among the leaders in statistical agencies around the world in areas such as measuring public services productivity and the impact of investment in information and communication technology (ICT). The new ONS Handbook on Productivity brings together the latest thinking on productivity measurement, along with a comprehensive guide to the information available and on the methods that are used. “It forms a wonderful resource for anyone working on or studying how productivity is measured and influenced,” said national statistician Karen Dunnell. “As with all ONS statistics, it is crucial that both experts and the general public can depend on the accuracy and relevance of ONS productivity measures. I believe that the clarity, completeness and accessibility of this volume will enhance this confidence. Additionally, by laying out our plans for further work in this area, this publication encourages future input from all users.” Aimed principally at expert data users and economic analysts, the Handbook is designed to be a comprehensive reference book on productivity sources and methods. The new Handbook is accompanied by the latest edition of the ONS monthly Economic and Labour Market Review (ELMR), which takes productivity as its main theme.