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- Tasks: Conduct economic research and analysis to shape impactful tax policies.
- Company: Join HM Treasury, a key player in UK economic policy.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in shaping the UK's tax system and policies.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and ability to communicate complex ideas simply.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 29856 - 34000 £ per year.
Salary: National: £34,820 - £40,000. If the successful candidate is a current Civil Servant joining on level transfer, HM Treasury will honour their current substantive salary if higher.
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: This post is available on a full time, part time or job share basis, and flexible working hours can be accommodated.
Location: Darlington (Feethams House)
We are recruiting an Assistant Economist to join the Personal Tax, Welfare and Pensions team. This is an exciting role with analysis having a direct impact on policy work.
About the Team
The Personal Tax team covers a very broad range of exciting policies with sustained ministerial, parliamentary and media interest. The team leads on core elements of the UK tax system, including income tax, National Insurance contributions and inheritance tax, and plays a critical role in shaping policy at fiscal events. The Personal Tax team is responsible for income tax, National Insurance contributions (NICs), the apprenticeship levy, inheritance tax and other aspects of the personal tax system. Total personal tax receipts exceed £400bn, so our policies are fundamental in fiscal and economic importance to the Treasury and of significant interest to the Chancellor and other ministers. For example, over the past few years the team’s work has included changes to employer and employee National Insurance contributions rates and thresholds, changes to the taxation of non-UK domiciled individuals, changes to inheritance tax and more.
We are a collaborative and open team. We work with other teams on the impact of tax policy on the labour market, economic growth, and on the interaction of tax with welfare and pensions.
About the Job
The postholder is one of a few economists embedded in the tax teams, and working on crosscutting projects. You will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with policy professionals to ensure that economic theory and analysis is embedded in their policy work, and that real time data (notably tax receipts) is understood and incorporated into their work.
The key responsibilities of the post-holder will be:
- Conducting economic research, modelling and analysis for leads and ministers. These will encompass longer term research projects and rapid modelling to support policy making. Previous examples have included work on the differential between income and capital gains tax, wealth tax and pensions tax.
- Working with teams across HMT at Budgets to provide data and analysis that informs policy decisions and is then used appropriately when those policies are announced. Use economic analysis to understand likely behavioural response to our announcements.
- Maintaining and improving the modelling capability of the branch.
- Monitoring and analysis of personal tax receipts, ensuring regular updates are provided to seniors and ensuring policies teams fully understand movements in the data.
- Identify and analyse the potential fiscal impacts of trends and behaviours e.g. the changing nature of the labour market to help shape policy development in both the short and medium term.
- Working in close collaboration with HMRC (especially the Knowledge, Analysis and Intelligence team), specialists across the Department and external partners; building effective relationships in multiple teams and at various grades.
- Work flexibly across team to support urgent priorities as they emerge.
- Leading on managing the student loan book. Given the scale of the loan book, it is vital that HM Treasury maintains effective control over spending across England and the Devolved Administrations. Through the bi‑annual Estimates process, you will work closely with DfE and other HM Treasury teams to use analysis to set targets - such as the level of student loan debt that can be written off - to support effective monitoring of this spending. You will also lead on providing advice to senior officials and ministers on novel, contentious, repercussive, or otherwise complex spending issues that require HM Treasury approval.
- Helping to implement DfE’s Spending Review settlement and the Post-16 Skills White Paper. The role involves working with DfE to determine the level and distribution of Strategic Priorities Grant funding, balancing competing objectives and managing complex trade-offs. You will help develop policy interventions to address financial sustainability risks, providing clear advice that reflects ministerial priorities. The Post‑16 Skills White Paper introduced a wide range of ambitious measures, including changes to tuition fees and action to address poor‑quality provision, aimed at placing the sector on a more sustainable footing. This role will oversee the effective and fiscally responsible implementation of these reforms, working closely with DfE, legislative teams and colleagues across HMT to ensure coherent delivery aligned with departmental priorities.
- Devising a Higher Education Strategy for the next spending review. Working with colleagues across HMT and DfE to develop a strategy for the next Spending Review on Higher Education. This will include addressing key questions such as how to encourage a subject mix that best supports economic growth, and how to strengthen the long‑term financial sustainability of universities.
About You
We are looking for people who have the ability to synthesise a wide range of evidence to inform decision-making, demonstrating excellent judgement. You will also have excellent communication skills and be able to explain economic concepts or data to a non-expert audience, quickly and effectively. You will also have the ability to work across multiple priorities, effectively managing time and ensuring successful outcomes.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus 8 public holidays and the King’s birthday (unless you have a legacy arrangement as an existing Civil Servant).
- Additionally, we operate flexitime systems, allowing employees to take up to an additional 2 days off each month.
- Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours).
- Generous parental and adoption leave packages.
- Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions of 28%.
- Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme and season ticket advances.
- A range of active staff networks, based around interests (e.g. analysts, music society, sports and social club) and diversity.
For more information about the role and how to apply, please follow the apply link.
Assistant Economist employer: HM TREASURY
Contact Detail:
HM TREASURY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Economist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at HM Treasury on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on recent tax policies and economic trends. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also in how our work impacts real-world decisions.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a mate to do a mock interview with you. This will help us articulate our thoughts clearly and confidently when it’s our turn in the hot seat.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds and shows that we’re genuinely interested in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Economist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Economist role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially in economic research and analysis.
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for economics and policy-making! Share any projects or experiences that demonstrate your interest in personal tax, welfare, and pensions. A genuine passion can really make you stand out.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to understand your points quickly, so make every word count!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at HM TREASURY
✨Know Your Economics
Brush up on key economic concepts relevant to the role, especially those related to personal tax and welfare. Be prepared to discuss how these concepts apply to current policies and recent changes in the UK tax system.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples of your previous work involving economic research or data analysis. Highlight how you’ve used data to inform decision-making or policy development, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Team's Impact
Familiarise yourself with the Personal Tax team's recent projects and their implications on fiscal policy. Being able to discuss how your role as an Assistant Economist can contribute to these projects will demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex economic ideas in simple terms. The ability to convey your thoughts clearly to non-experts is crucial, so consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to refine your communication skills.
