Birmingham chosen for more civil service jobs

Birmingham has been named as one of 13 places where more civil service jobs will be moved out of London, in a boost for the city's economy.

The government announced on 16 May that it would shift government roles out of the capital to towns and cities across all four nations of the UK, so that policy is made and delivered closer to the communities it affects.

£729 million boost

The move is expected to bring £729 million of economic benefit to the 13 growth areas by 2030.

Around 13,330 civil service jobs are already based in Birmingham, and more than 34,000 across the wider region, with 14 major government departments having a presence in the area.

"A vote of confidence"

Council leader John Cotton said: "This is a vote of confidence in Birmingham which will create jobs and help our young and talented population to build careers in the civil service."

"It is great to have a government that cares about all regions of the country, and we will work with the government to ensure that the apprenticeship pilot benefits people in every community of Birmingham."

The announcement includes plans to make it easier for people to join the civil service, including through apprenticeships.

"Closer to communities"

Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, who is leading the reform of the civil service, said: "To deliver our Plan for Change, we are taking more decision-making out of Whitehall and moving it closer to communities all across the UK."

"By relocating thousands of Civil Service roles we will not only save taxpayers money, we will make this Government one that better reflects the country it serves."

"As we radically reform the state, we are going to make it much easier for talented people everywhere to join the Civil Service and help us rebuild Britain."

Why Birmingham

Birmingham already has a large government presence, with offices in the city centre housing staff from departments including HM Revenue and Customs, the housing and communities department and the Department for Education. In recent years, several government departments have opened new hubs in the city, attracted by its central location, transport links and young population.

Moving jobs out of London is also cheaper for the taxpayer, as office space and salaries in the capital are more expensive.

A needed lift

The announcement comes at a difficult time for Birmingham. The city council is still working under government commissioners after its financial crisis, and a long-running strike by bin workers has left rubbish piling up in streets across the city for months.

Birmingham also has one of the highest unemployment rates of any major city in the country, and one of the youngest populations. Civil service jobs, with training and career progression, could offer good opportunities for young people in the city.

Details of which roles will move, and when, are expected to be set out by individual departments in the months ahead.