The UK Statistics Authority wrote to Eluned Morgan MS about Welsh apprenticeships

12 March 2026 · Penny Young, Chair, UK Statistics Authority

The letter is dated 12 March 2026. A reply dated 26 March 2026 is published alongside it. The UK Statistics Authority published it as Letter from Penny Young to Rt Hon Eluned Morgan MS – Welsh apprenticeships. Below are 3 passages from the letter in the regulator's own words.

What the UK Statistics Authority wrote

“A s Interim Chair of the UK Statistics Authority, which oversees the Office for Statistics Regulation, I am writing to you regarding the use of apprenticeships statistics in a press release on 9 February 2026 titled “Over 100,000 apprenticeships delivered in Wales this Senedd term” and in the Senedd during First Ministers questions on 24 February 2026.”

“The claim that over 100,000 apprenticeships have been delivered in Wales in this Senedd term is not supported by the rigorous measure and appears to create an inconsistency with previous reporting and could be perceived as cherry-picking the data.”

“Being clear on definitions and the evidence underpinning any such statements can help maintain public confidence in statistics and the organisations that produce them.”

From Penny Young, Chair, UK Statistics Authority, letter of 12 March 2026. Read the full letter.

Correspondence

• Published reply: Julie James MS to Penny Young – Welsh apprenticeships (26 March 2026)

More on Eluned Morgan.

Receipt