Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Ed Miliband told off by stats watchdog for London jobs claim

 

Nigel Morris
Friday 01 August 2014 17:21 BST
Comments
Ed Miliband was quoted as saying four fifths of new private sector posts since 2010 were in the capital
Ed Miliband was quoted as saying four fifths of new private sector posts since 2010 were in the capital (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Ed Miliband was rebuked by the statistics watchdog today over a claim that almost all new jobs were being created in London.

In extracts released ahead of a speech last month, the Labour leader was quoted as saying four fifths of new private sector posts since 2010 were in the capital.

Mr Miliband did not deliver the words when he spoke, but the party insisted he stood by the claim.

However, Sir Andrew Dilnot, the head of the UK statistics authority, said the reverse was true, with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggesting just one fifth of public sector employment growth had taken place in London.

He said: “There is a wide difference between the statements made about London and the most recent official statistics published by ONS.”

Sir Andrew also said Labour had not been clear about the source of Mr Miliband’s claim – a think tank report – and had misrepresented the period it covered.

Matt Hancock, the Business Minister, called on the Labour leader to apologise.

“If he can’t get his facts right on the economy, then there is no way he would be able to run the country,” Mr Hancock said.

Labour declined to comment on Sir Andrew’s reprimand.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in