The Office for National Statistics has opened a new branch in central Manchester, creating 100 data and analytics jobs for the region.
Located in the Tootal Buildings on Oxford Street, the office has been operating with a small team since February this year, and will be expanding in the near future.
On 25 July Emma Rourke, Deputy National Statistician for Health, Population and Methods – who is based at the Manchester site – met with stakeholders including the government’s chief scientific advisor Dame Angela McLean and mayor Andy Burnham to discuss the new ONS site’s role in forging better data partnerships across the region.
Ms Rourke said: “There’s something very special about the academic capability and the growth that we’re seeing in the North West in general. There’s such vibrancy in the city.
“We are able to bring in a diverse, young, enthusiastic workforce, alongside some of our more experienced technical experts, so we can really start to work with the North West to better describe society and the economy.
“It’s only when we’re here as part of the community that we can really exploit those links.
“Having this hub allows us to understand the priorities and needs of the North West region, and helps us get more involved in producing local high-quality research that will help to inform local decisions.”
This is the first ONS hub in the North West – current sites exist in London, Newport (Wales), Titchfield (Hampshire), Darlington and Edinburgh – and the Manchester team will specifically focus on Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT).
Around 80 of the 100 roles have already been filled, including local graduates and experts, as well as ONS employees relocating from other sites.
Professor Sir Ian Diamond, the National Statistician, said: “The better data and insight we have at a local level means that better decisions can be made by councils and local decision-makers for the public good, so that people in Manchester, and in towns and cities across the country, can benefit from more targeted support.
“It’s because of local data that we know Manchester residents take public transport to work far more than other local authorities across England and the city has more people aged 19 years and over pursuing further education. This is all vital information for local authorities to plan public services and address social and economic challenges.
“Our new base in Manchester will help us to become more embedded in the community, making it easier to collaborate with local organisations, providing more opportunities to gather this rich local data and address the unique challenges of the region.”
Main mage: Emma Rourke and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham at the new ONS office in Manchester
