Key outsourced jobs removed as US Bureau of Labor Statistics data release repeatedly misses the mark

On the eve of the release of November's CPI data in the United States, a newly released report says that the leadership of the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics is responsible for a series of lapses this year. The lapses have put the agency under scrutiny. However, the report, issued by a team of experts comprising members of the government and the private sector, said that none of the incidents were related to the quality or accuracy of the agency's core data work. The report also added that no underlying motive of dishonesty or malice was found. Previously, the US CPI leaked early in April, and in August, the preliminary annual benchmark revision of the nonfarm payrolls report was released more than 30 minutes late after its scheduled 10 a.m. The investigation found that the agency's technology and software modernisation efforts were hampered by insufficient funding, which prevented it from ensuring that its processes and systems kept pace with technological advances. The investigation team proposed to reprogramme corporate training for frontline staff and revise contingency plans to reduce the risk of untimely releases. It was noted that the United States Bureau of Labour Statistics had removed contractors from key positions, limiting these functions to federal staff.