The Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) has today published an update on progress with the transformation of the Labour Force Survey, produced by the Office for National Statistic (ONS). The report includes progress against the remaining open recommendations relating to the both the Labour Force Survey (LFS) and Transformed Labour Force Survey (TLFS).
The LFS is the main household survey providing labour market information in the UK. It remains the main source of data about the employment rate, the unemployment rate and the inactivity rate across the UK.
OSR found that there has been encouraging progress in communication with users, and the response levels for the LFS increased in 2025, producing more precise UK-level estimates.
However, running the existing survey alongside the new Transformed Labour Force Survey (TLFS) is stretching resources, and recent methodological refinements and processing improvements must be fully assured before any full transition.
OSR has set a clear expectation that ONS should publish a plan for user engagement as the transition approaches and complete its outstanding recommendations in advance of transition. Regular updates should also be provided to users by ONS.
The LFS retains its status as official statistics in development while ONS works to replace it with a new online survey.
Ed Humpherson, DG Regulation confirmed:
“Reliable labour market statistics underpin decisions on growth, living standards and economic opportunity across all parts of the UK. ONS has fully met four of twelve recommendations, with work continuing the remaining eight. ONS has agreed to continue to publicly report its progress through its quarterly updates on progress and plans for labour market transformation and updates on its Economic statistics and surveys improvement plans.”
Notes to editors
The OSR’s full report, including progress against all twelve recommendations, is available here.
The latest update from ONS is available here: Labour market transformation – update on progress and plans – Office for National Statistics.