Apply: Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme 2026 – Government Economic Service (UK)

Applications are NOW OPEN for the Government Economic Service Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme. 

Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme 2026 – Government Economic Service (UK)

The Government Economic Service (GES) invites applications for the Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme 2026. This nationwide recruitment programme offers economics graduates the opportunity to contribute to high-impact public policy and evidence-based decision-making across the UK Government.

Application window

Opens: 3 February 2026

Closes: 27 February 2026 at 16:00 (UK time)

About the role

Assistant Economists work within a cross-government community of economists supporting policy development, analysis and decision-making. The GES community includes over 3,500 economists working across more than 70 departments and agencies, including HM Treasury and UK Space Agency.

Key responsibilities include:

• Producing high-quality economic analysis to inform public policy

• Preparing briefings for senior officials, ministers and the public

• Advising on policy options and trade-offs

• Ensuring the appropriate use and quality of economic statistics

Salary

Salaries vary by department and location.

• London minimum: £36,824

• National minimum: £34,123

Final salary details will be published in the 2026 departmental job descriptions during the application window.

Locations

Roles are available across the UK, including: Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Newport, Salford, Sheffield, Titchfield (Fareham), Wolverhampton and York.

Please note that most roles are based outside London.

Departments recruiting

Recruiting departments will be confirmed in the 2026 departmental job descriptions during the application window.

Learning and development

The scheme offers structured professional development, including:

• 50 hours per year of continuous professional development in economics

• 50 hours per year focused on personal and professional skills

Development areas include:

• Quantitative analysis and data presentation

• Writing and presentation for senior decision-makers

• Applied economics across policy areas such as environment and transport

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must have, or be on track to receive, a first-class or upper-second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in economics, or a postgraduate degree in economics.

By August 2026, candidates must hold at least one of the following:

• An undergraduate degree in economics

• A joint degree with at least 50 percent of credits in economics

• A postgraduate degree in economics

All candidates must have studied both microeconomics and macroeconomics.

If you graduated more than five years ago, you must provide evidence of how you have maintained your economics knowledge in the application form.

Nationality and right to work

Applicants must meet the Civil Service Nationality Rules and have the legal right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available.

How to apply

Apply online via the official portal:

https://ges-careers.hiringplatform.co.uk/list/assistant_economist_scheme_page_active

For full details on departments, locations and role descriptions, consult the 2026 departmental job descriptions during the application window.