Saving...
Loading...
Loading...
Assistant Economist Scheme Page
| Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme |
The Government Economic Service Assistant Economist Graduate scheme will open for applications on 3 February 2025 at midday, closing on 27 February 2025 at 13:55.
The Government Economic Service (GES) is at the heart of decision-making in the UK Government. Our 3,500+ economists work across more than 70 departments and agencies, from HM Treasury to the UK Space Agency! We are the largest employer of economists in the country.
The Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme is a nationwide recruitment scheme for economics graduates which sits beside the Economics Fast Stream. To help us deliver high quality, high impact analysis we are looking for economists to join us and influence the day-to-day lives of every person in the UK.
Learn more about the Government Economic Service, our recruitment schemes, and the benefits of working as a government economist here.
About the Scheme
As an assistant economist, you will be joining a community of over 3,500 economists across more than 70 organisations, putting your economic learning to direct use by influencing high profile public policies with the best possible economic analysis. This is an exciting time to be joining the civil service, and with continuous support you’ll produce analysis, prepare vital briefings for senior officials, ministers or the public, provide advice on policy options, and ensure the quality and appropriate use of economic statistics.
How much will I earn?
Salaries vary according to government department and location, but these are the minimums you would be paid: London £31,500 / National: £31,500. Please see the departmental job descriptions for details.
Where will I work?
This year, we have graduate roles available in: Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield, Salford, Coventry, Liverpool, Nottingham, Wolverhampton, York.
See job descriptions for details.
What departments are recruiting?
This year, we are recruiting for roles in Ministry of Justice, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Department of Health and Social Care, HM Revenue and Customs, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Ministry of Defence, Scottish Government, Office of Rail and Road, Department for Work and Pensions. Please see the departmental job descriptions for details of the departments which are recruiting this year, their locations and salary details.
Developing your skills
We take your development seriously and while earning a competitive salary, there will be 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 developing your personal skills.
The GES offers an excellent range of learning opportunities to help you develop:
strong quantitative skills: you’ll become an expert in analysing and presenting data
writing and presentation techniques: communicating economics clearly and succinctly to senior officials and ministers
applied economics skills: using economic insights and techniques to inform policy on anything from the environment to transport.
Eligibility
Applicants need to have, or be on track to receive, a first or upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in economics, or a postgraduate degree in economics.
By August 2025 you must hold one of the following:
an economics degree
a joint economics degree in which at least 50% of the course modules studied are in economics
a postgraduate degree in economics
All candidates must have studied both micro and macroeconomics to qualify.
If you graduated more than five years ago then you must give examples of how you have maintained your economic knowledge in the relevant section of the application form.
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).
Candidates must have the right to work in the UK, as we do not offer sponsorship.
For full details please see Nationality requirements.
Application process
This vacancy is assessed using the Civil Service Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Ability and Experience. The recruitment process is divided into the following stages:
Stage 1: Complete application form
Stage 2: Sit two online tests (the Verbal Test and the Numerical Test). Online tests will begin from 17 February 2025. Please note that your application and both online tests must be completed before the 27 February 2025, 13:55 deadline.
You can sit a practice test here.
Stage 3: Based on the performance of all applicants, a pass mark will be set for the online tests.
Stage 4: If you pass both online tests, your application will be sent on to sifters, who will consider whether you have demonstrated that your degree contains sufficient economics content.
Stage 5: If you pass the sift, you will be invited to a virtual Economics Assessment Centre (EAC). At the Assessment Centre, candidates’ knowledge of economics will be tested along with Civil Service strength and behaviour competences.
The Civil Service Behaviours that you will be assessed against, at interview stage, are:
Making Effective Decisions
Delivering at Pace
Working together
Further information on what to expect at the Assessment Centre will be sent to candidates invited to attend.
Successful candidates will be offered an Assistant Economist role subject to meeting entry requirements, references, and security checks.
Economic Assessment Centre (EAC)
The Economic Assessment Centre (EAC) is designed to assess a candidate’s economics skills against set criteria. At the Assessment Centre, candidates’ knowledge of economics will be tested along with Civil Service strength and behaviour competencies. If you are invited to the Assessment Centre, further information on what to expect will be shared with you ahead of time.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend the Economics Assessment Centre. Due to a large volume of applications, we are unable to provide feedback on applications prior to this stage.
To see a list of topics candidates may choose to address at the Economics Assessment Centre, see the - EAC Strongest Topics – Candidate Version
Candidate virtual Q&A session
Our online Q&A session about the application process and what it is like to be an Assistant Economist in government took place on Tuesday 11 February 2025, 16:30 – 17:30. View the recording of the presentation from this session here.
Recruitment timetable
Please note that this timeline may be subject to change.
3rd February 2025 – Applications open
17th February online numerical and verbal reasoning tests begin
27th February 2025 at 13:55 - Scheme closes (NB: Tests and application form (Stages 1-2) must be completed by this date)
w/c 10th March 2025 – the recruitment team will set the pass mark for the online tests and successful candidates will be progressed to sift.
w/c 17th March 2025 – applications are sifted to decide who will be invited to the Economics Assessment Centre.
w/c 5th May 2025 - Candidates take the Online Assessment Centre including interview.
w/c 9th June 2025 – Candidates informed of Assessment Centre / Interview outcome.
End of June – Successful candidates notified of outcome and assigned to a government department.
Frequently asked questions
Question: Can I request extra time for the online tests?
Answer: Yes, if you qualify for a reasonable adjustment then you may request extra time for tests
Question: I have recently taken the Civil Service Tests – do I need to take them again?
Answer: Yes as the GES Assistant Economist Graduate scheme uses a different numerical and verbal reasoning test.
Question: I have previously applied for the GES Fast Stream. Can I still apply for the GES AE Scheme?
Answer: Yes – this scheme is open for all graduates with a first or 2:1 in economics or in a joint degree with at least 50% of modules in economics, or with a postgraduate degree in economics (please see the eligibility page for more details). If you have applied to previous GES Fast Stream or other schemes prior to this one, you are not disqualified from applying to this scheme.
Question: Is security clearance required?
Answer: Yes. If successful you must hold, or be willing to obtain, security clearance to CTC/SC/DV level. Certain departments require a 3-year footprint in the UK. More information about the vetting process can be found here. More information can be found in the departmental job descriptions.
Question: What is the difference between the Assistant Economist Scheme and the Fast Stream?
Answer: The GES Assistant Economist scheme is the recruitment pathway for economist careers within the Civil Service. It, therefore, focuses on developing the technical skills and experience needed to be a government economist and the wider behaviours that will support you to be an effective Civil Servant. By comparison, the GES Fast Stream scheme is an accelerated development programme that seeks to develop future leaders, both in the GES and the Civil Service more widely and therefore has a specific focus on developing leadership skills and experience.
Both schemes test and will develop your economics knowledge, and your ability to apply and communicate that knowledge to both technical and non-technical audiences. Training to support the development of technical and leadership skills will be available in either case.
Question: Can I choose which department I will work for?
Answer: We do ask for your departmental and location preferences. If you are successful at all stages for the campaign, when assigning you to a department, we will consider your preferences, but we cannot guarantee that you will get your choice of location or department.
Question: I am a current civil servant – can I apply?
Answer: Of course, as long as you meet the entry requirements!
Further information
Contact point for applicants
GESR Recruitment Team: gesrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk
Please note that the GESR Recruitment Team work Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm. Therefore, technical support will not be available outside of these hours, including those leading up to the 13:55 application deadline on 27 February 2025.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
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 HMT by email at: gesrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk.
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
Contract Terms and Applications
Contracts are open to accommodate working pattern needs and can be 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.
If you have any questions about this scheme or our recruitment processes, please contact the GESR Recruitment Team on gesrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk or follow us on social media.
|
Privacy Statement Terms and Conditions Accessibility Statement Cookies Statement |
Copyright 2025 GES-Careers