A new government campus is to be opened in Manchester as the Government announces plans for thousands of civil service jobs to be moved out of London
The Government will establish a new Digital and AI Innovation Campus, harnessing the city’s reputation as a global digital hub and building on the Government’s established presence – Manchester is already home to the second HQs of DSIT and DCMS, as well as a key base for GCHQ.
The new campus will enable partnership with local government and universities to deliver the government’s missions, improve the talent pipeline into Government and boost growth, skills and opportunity.
Currently, 10,100 civil service workers are based in Greater Manchester, with the City of Manchester home to over 8,275 roles. 14 major Government departments have a presence in the Greater Manchester region.
Under the shake up, government roles will be shifted outside of London to towns and cities in all four nations of the UK, delivering and developing policy closer to the communities it affects.
The move is projected to bring £729 million worth of economic benefit to the 13 growth areas by 2030.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden, 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. We will also be making sure that Government jobs support economic growth throughout the country.
“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.”
