The U.K.'s statistics agency has shifted its headquarters from London to Newport and replaced most of its staff without ``a single glitch'' in the production of the nation's economic data, chief statistician Karen Dunnell has said.
The move ``has gone extremely well,'' she said yesterday in an interview with Bloomberg. With just 15 percent of London employees agreeing to relocate, ``we're managing to recruit the people that we need. In all our labour market and prices work, we haven't had a single glitch in production timetables or quality.''
The Office for National Statistics will completely vacate its former headquarters in London's Pimlico district by June 8, after shifting 400 posts to Newport including staff working on inflation. The Bank of England said last year that the move, a cost-cutting measure ordered when Gordon Brown was Chancellor, posed a ``serious risk'' to the nation's data. ``Of course they're concerned about it, because they're very, very dependent on us,'' Dunnell said, speaking at the statistics office's new, smaller London premises in Islington. ``But really the proof is in the pudding. They get their monthly retail price index and monthly labour releases as they always have done. That's not a problem.''
STATISTICS OFFICE MOVE OCCURS 'WITHOUT A SINGLE GLITCH'
POLICE APPEAL OVER PILL STREET ROBBERY
Sometime between 11.30am and 11.45am this morning, Tuesday May 20, 2008 a 15 year old boy was walking across Courtybella Terrace into Baldwin Street, Pill when he was grabbed by a boy who threatened him for his mobile phone. The victim was forced to the floor and his mobile phone and silver neck chain were stolen. He was not physically hurt but shaken. The suspect said he had a knife but at no time did the victim see one. He got on the back of a black BMX bike ridden by a second boy and they made off towards Courtybella Terrace. The first boy is described as white, approximately 14 to 15 years old, about 5'1" tall and of a skinny build. He had short black hair which was gelled forward. He was wearing a black tracksuit top and bottoms. The second boy riding the bike is described as white, approximately 13 to 15 years old with short black hair. He was wearing a black jacket and black tracksuit bottoms. Anyone with information is asked to call Gwent Police on 01633 838 111 or anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
FRIARS WALK TO BE DELAYED THREE TO SIX MONTHS
What a surprise Friars Walk, Newport's landmark scheme will be delayed by three to six months according to Modus, the company responsible for the development. one of the main debt providers withdrew its financing. Ciref and Modus said the 440,000 sq ft scheme would now be delayed for three to six months ‘to enable a replacement bank to be secured by the banking syndicate’. Lead banker, the Royal Bank of Scotland, remains committed to the scheme, which is now expected to start during the third quarter of this year. Modus, which is led by Brendan Flood, has more than 35 schemes in the pipeline. Flood said Modus would fund the schemes itself initially, although it might seek third-party investment later.
CITY MURDER ENQUIRY UPDATE
The 25 year old man, arrested in connection with the death of Alisandra Kacsmarsca has been released without charge. The 27 year old woman arrested in connection with the death has been released on police bail. The deceased was discovered when police and ambulance were called to an address in Dewstow Street, Newport at approximately 3am on Tuesday May 13. If anyone has any information, they are asked to call Gwent Police on 01633 838 111 or crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
