Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme
Build a brilliant career in the Government Economic Service. Join our graduate scheme as an Assistant Economist.
The Government Economic Service (GES) Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme is now closed for applications. Please register to be notified when it reopens in early 2025.
About the scheme
Our role in government
The Government Economic Service (GES) is at the heart of decision-making in the UK Government. Our 3,500+ economists work across more than 50 departments and agencies, from HM Treasury to the UK Space Agency! We are the largest employer of economists in the country.
The work of GES economists has been integral to understanding and responding to fast-moving events such as Covid-19, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and changes in financial markets. Economic analysis is central to policymaking on long-term challenges such as climate change, education, biodiversity, and inequality.
What will I do as an Assistant Economist?
As an economist in government, you will have the opportunity to influence how the government responds to the most important public policy challenges of the day. You could be collating and analysing data, providing advice on policy options, and preparing vital briefings for ministers.
As an Assistant Economist, you will join a vibrant and supportive economics community. You will be supported to develop your economics and wider skills and to build a network of colleagues across government. You will be able to access learning and development within your department and participate in the GES programme of regular events. As your career develops, you will have the opportunity to seek roles across the Civil Service.
Join the GES and put your economics to direct use, keep learning and make a difference. This is work that matters.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for people who want to make a difference to society.
You should have or be on track to receive a 2:1 or above in an undergraduate degree which comprises at least 50% economics, or a postgraduate degree in economics. You must have studied both micro and macroeconomics. You will have a strong understanding of economic principles and be able to apply them to a wide variety of policy issues. You will be able to interpret academic work and communicate economics insights clearly. Please see the candidate pack for full eligibility criteria.
How much will I earn?
Salaries vary according to government department and location, but these are the minimums you would be paid: London £30,000 / Nationwide: £28,000
Where will I work?
This year, we have graduate roles available in: Birmingham, Bristol, Buxton, Cardiff, Coventry, Croydon, Darlington, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Salford, Sheffield, Pontypridd (Treforest), Wolverhampton, York
Join our online Q&A session
Our Q&A sessions for 2024 have now taken place. Download the
What development opportunities will I get?
We take your development seriously. While earning a competitive salary, you will be able to receive plenty of support to further your development as an economist. You will broaden your subject knowledge through 50 hours of continuous professional development a year and a further 50 hours on personal skills.
We offer plenty of courses and high-quality training to help you develop:
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strong quantitative skills: you will become an expert in manipulating and presenting data
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writing and presentation techniques: communicating economics clearly and succinctly to senior officials and ministers
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applied economics skills: using economic insights and techniques to inform policy on anything from the environment to transport.
Eligibility
Please see the candidate pack for more information on Eligibility.
Applicants will need:
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to possess or expected to have a first or upper second-class honours degree with at least 50% of the modules in economics, or have a masters in economics.
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modules must have covered both micro and macroeconomics to qualify.
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if you graduated more than five years ago then you must have examples of how you have maintained your economic knowledge on the competency section of the application form.
Economic Assessment Centre (EAC)
The Economic Assessment Centre (EAC) is a half-day Assessment Centre to assess a candidate’s economics skills against set criteria.
For more information see the Economic Assessment Centre Guide
Example resources for applicants
- For more information about the recruitment process, see the -
- For more information about the kinds role you could be working in as an economist, see the -
- To see a list of topics candidates may choose to address at the Economics Assessment Centre, see the -
Contract Terms and Applications
Contracts are open to accommodate working pattern needs and can be offered on a full or part-time basis as set by the relevant departments. All civil servants are appointed on merit through fair and open competition. The selection process will consider your attitude, capability, talent, and willingness to learn. If appointed you will be expected to carry out your role with dedication and a commitment to the Civil Service and its core values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality.
Immigration
Please note that it is possible to meet the nationality requirements and still not be legally entitled to work in the UK.
Individuals will need to demonstrate their eligibility under the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs). Nationality requirements are explained in more detail on the Civil Service nationality rules webpage.
Candidates must have the right to work in the UK, as we do not offer sponsorship.
For full details please see Nationality requirements.
Equal opportunities
At the GES we welcome applications from anyone with the necessary qualifications, regardless of sex, marital status, race, colour, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, or, in Northern Ireland, community background. There are no age limits, but employing departments will expect several years’ service before retirement.
Contact point for applicants
GESR Recruitment Team: [email protected]
Please note that the GESR Recruitment Team work Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Therefore, technical support will not be available outside of these hours.
Complaints procedure
Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment based on fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact GESR by email at: [email protected].
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment. For further information on the Recruitment Principles, and bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission, please visit their website at: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk
Updates to this page
Published 11 January 2018Last updated 19 March 2024 + show all updates
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The Government Economic Service (GES) Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme closed for applications on the 18 March 2024. It will reopen in spring 2025.
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The Q&A slides have now been added.
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The attachment Job Descriptions 2024 was updated.
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The Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme is now live.
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Updated information on the upcoming Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme.
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The scheme is now closed and information on registering your interest for the 2024 scheme has been added.
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Tweaked section on our role in government and who we are looking for
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Application Deadline extended from 13 to 26 February 2023 by 23:55pm. Updated candidate pack with new deadline uploaded
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Application deadline has been extended from 8th to 13th February 2023 at 23.55 pm, new deadline also noted in Candidate Pack.
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Q&A information added.
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2023 attachments have been added. 2023 recruitment process and dates have been added.
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Add dates scheme opens and EAC Guide
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Remove reference to 2022 scheme which has now closed
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Scheme deadline has been extended to 24 March
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Updated - Scheme is now open for applications New Job description and candidate pack
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Date updated for 2022 scheme
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2021 scheme closed at 11.55am on 19 March 2021
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Link to application form for the 2021 scheme included
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Government Economic Service Assistant Economist Scheme for 2021 is due to open for applications on 8 March.
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link to Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs) webpage added.
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2020 Job Description Pack included
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First line after Body now has been changed to Government Economic Service Assistant Economist Scheme will open on Thursday 6th February 2020..
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Applications due to open in February 2020
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note - next scheme will be advertised in January 2020
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Social Media links added
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First published.