Government Economic Service

The Government Economic Service (GES) is the professional body and coordinating community for economists across the UK Civil Service. Its 2024–2027 strategy marked 60 years of the service, which is supported by HM Treasury and led by the Head of the GES.

GES economists work in government departments and agencies on policy analysis, economic advice, ministerial briefings, forecasting, and the quality and use of economic statistics. The work spans macroeconomics, public spending, labour markets, housing, climate policy, transport, and other issues where evidence informs government choices.

For students, the GES is best understood as a cross-government career platform rather than a single department. Its routes include the Assistant Economist scheme, Fast Stream, paid summer placements, and year-long sandwich placements, with opportunities located across the UK.