UK Govt says it will move 1,000 jobs to Scotland

The UK Government said on Monday that the UK Cabinet Office will establish a “second flagship HQ with ministerial offices” in Glasgow “with at least 500 staff based there within the next four years and new ministerial offices.”

Further, the UK Government said its Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) will “strengthen joint-headquarters in East Kilbride with 500 extra staff.”

In a statement, the UK Government said: “Glasgow, East Kilbride and the surrounding areas will benefit from new jobs and investment from the UK Government, as the Cabinet Office and FCDO are set to relocate over 1,000 civil service roles to Scotland.

“The move brings key decision makers closer to the communities they serve and will strengthen diversity in the UK Civil Service.

“The new jobs and investment form part of the UK Government’s commitment to level up every part of the United Kingdom and build back stronger, fairer and greener from the pandemic.

“Today’s announcement will also mean that ministers will spend a significant amount of time in Scotland as the UK Government and Scottish Government work together to build a sustainable recovery from the pandemic.

“This will create new opportunities to join UK efforts in tackling domestic and international challenges, and allow closer collaboration between Scotland’s two governments as we work together to build back better from the pandemic.”

The Cabinet Office said it will also continue to build the UK Government presence in Scotland, including in Queen Elizabeth House, the new UK Government Office in Edinburgh.