he Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme is a nationwide recruitment scheme for economics graduates. We are looking for economists to help us deliver relevant, high quality and high impact analysis which influences the day-to-day lives of every person in the UK.
As an Assistant Economist, you will be joining a community of over 3,500 GES members across more than 70 organisations, putting your economic learning to direct use by developing the best possible economic analysis. We are the largest employer of economists in the country
This is an exciting time to be joining the Civil Service and an opportunity to put your economics knowledge to direct use in a dynamic workplace. With continuous support you will 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.
The Government Economic Service (GES) provides high quality, high impact economic analysis to inform government decisions. You can read more about the GES here and review the GES Technical Framework.
Join us, and you’ll be a valued member of the wider GES community, where people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds can form lasting professional relationships with supportive networks. While these are full time roles, our flexible working arrangements will give you space to achieve a work life balance that works for you.
Q&A Session
Interested in finding out more about being an economist in government? Want to apply for this role but not sure if it’s for you?
Attend our Q&A session: Tuesday 10th February 2026 on Microsoft Teams from 16:30 - 17:30: Join the session here
We’ll give you:
- An outline of the recruitment process for the scheme
- Our tips on filling out the application form
- A chance to ask a current Assistant Economist more about their role in government
Job description
Are you interested in helping shape government policy by producing high quality economic analysis?
Do you want to develop a career developing technical expertise essential to decision making?
As an Assistant Economist, your analysis will play a vital role in a wide range of policy areas.
You will have a unique opportunity to work in a central government department or agency on some of the most important social, environmental, and economic issues our country faces. You will have the opportunity to improve the world you live in – working on issues like:
- How can government support UK businesses to compete in a changing world?
- How can government support people to kick-start their lives after prison?
- How can government act to protect the environment?
- How can the government support regional growth?
For further details on the kinds of roles available at different government departments, please see the job descriptions.
Person specification
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 2026 you must hold one of the following:
- An undergraduate degree in economics at a minimum of 2:1; or
- A joint economics degree at a minimum of 2:1, where at least 50% of the credit value of all modules studied is in economics; or
- 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 on the application form.
You are also required to satisfy both the Civil Service Nationality Rules and the Right to work in the UK requirements (please see below). Please note, we do not offer visa sponsorship.
If successful you must hold, or be willing to obtain, security clearance to CTC/SC/DV level. More information about the vetting process can be found at the following link Security Vetting and Clearance Guidance
In addition, some departments require candidates to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years having spent no period longer than 3 months outside of the UK to get security clearance.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Delivering at Pace
- Working Together
Apply before 4:00 pm on Friday 27th February 2026
