UK Statistics Authority will run the rule over “all relevant matters” relating to construction statistics

The UK’s independent statistics watchdog has said it will launch an inquiry into the mistaken publication of incorrect construction growth data by the ONS.

The UK Statistics Authority said the probe will investigate the “arithmetical error” that led the ONS to overstate five-fold the sector’s second quarter output last Friday.

The ONS initially published a figure of 2.3% growth, which was later revised down to 0.5% just seven hours later.

In a letter to the ONS, seen by Dow Jones, Statistics Authority chief Sir Michael Scholar said the mistake was of “great concern”.

Scholar added the Authority would also look more widely at “all relevant matters” relating to construction statistics and would publish its report.

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