Office for National Statistics chooses Capita for 2011 Census

Capita will be responsible for recruiting around 35,000 temporary workers and training them to act as field staff under the management of permanent ONS staff. Capita will also act as the ONS payroll provider for all temporary employees during the period of the contract. The first major milestone in the process will be a rehearsal due to take place in October 2009 in three selected areas of England and Wales – Newham, Lancaster and Ynys Môn, Isle of Anglesey. The full census will take place on 27 March 2011.

Paul Pindar, Chief Executive of the Capita Group Plc commented: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to support the census process and look forward to working with the ONS to ensure that the 2011 census meets its objectives. Utilising its expertise in three key areas, recruitment, training and payroll management, Capita will support the ONS in achieving a successful census.”

ONS Census Director Glen Watson said today: “This contract award to Capita is a significant milestone in our planning for the next census which is now just two years away. Information from the census helps to inform many decisions made by central and local governments, about policies, planning and providing services. The census provides vital information that helps to allocate funding for national and local services – it’s critical that we recruit the right people for this important nationwide project. Capita have offered us an excellent solution to help us over the next couple of years to put the ONS nationwide census team in place.”