THE UK Government is recruiting two policy advisers dedicated to help making the “benefits of the Union clear, tangible and understood” as Scottish ministers come under fire for spending on independence.
The senior executive roles, currently being advertised on the civil service jobs website, are described as being an “exciting opportunity to drive forward” the UK Government’s “Union agenda”.
Another key part will be identifying opportunities for demonstrating how the Union is “delivering” for people in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the advert states.
The posts - which have a salary of between £37,064 to £40,390 - are being advertised by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), which is headed by Michael Gove.
Last month it emerged the UK’s top civil servant is investigating Scottish Government over spending on independence including having a dedicated minister – which has been backed by Rishi Sunak.
Simon Case said it would be “a bit worrying” if UK taxpayer money were to be spent on efforts for independence and suggested new guidance would soon be issued to civil servants working for the Holyrood administration.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn subsequently wrote to Case, saying he has “no argument” with work supporting the UK Government’s position in favour of the Union – and questioning why that work is deemed impartial when Scottish Government work on independence is not.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack also attacked Holyrood ministers over the issue following publication of the last independence paper on citizenship, accusing them of being “simply irresponsible” for using public funds and civil service resources for it.
SNP MP Kirsty Blackman, the party’s spokesperson for the Cabinet Office, said: "The UK government advertising for this pointless job just further proves that they continue to fail to understand the priorities of Scottish voters, who have consistently voted for pro-independence parties at Holyrood and Westminster elections.
"This job advertisement is also deeply ironic considering the fact that only a couple of weeks ago the Tories were criticizing the Scottish Government for working on policies related to independence.
"The SNP is absolutely focused on delivering for the people of Scotland by achieving our manifesto commitments, including tackling the cost of living crisis and gaining our independence."
The job description for the role states: “This is an exciting opportunity to drive forward the UK Government’s union agenda, ensuring that policy across UK Government departments help make the benefits of the union clear, tangible and understood.
“The role will involve building strong relationships with UK departments to understand and identify opportunities to improve the Union elements of UK Government policy as well as identifying opportunities to demonstrate how the Union is delivering for people in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.”
It goes on to say the post holder will work to support “UK-wide delivery of DLUHC policies, provide union advice for several [Whitehall] Departments, building relationships and influencing policy direction.”
The advert states successful candidates will also be expected to with teams “across the Union and Devolution Directorate (UDD), both in DLUHC and the Cabinet Office” and “with devolved governments in line with our overall Union strategy”.
The UK Government’s investigation comes after Labour peer George Foulkes, who sits as Baron Foulkes of Cumnock in the House of Lords, raised the issue of ministers spending on independence repeatedly at Westminster in recent months.
An SNP source added: “Luckily for George Foulkes, it’s still recess at Westminster, so he has plenty of time to tidy up his CV before the deadline.
“The Baron is well skilled in not doing any real work so this role would suit him well.”
The Sunday National asked the DLUHC to clarify if the Union policy advisers are new roles - and if not, how many others are in this role.
In response, a spokesperson said: “The department plays an important part in supporting the Secretary of State in his role as Minister for Intergovernmental Relations.
"Responsibility for the Union is reserved to the UK Government and there is nothing new about UK civil servants working on this important priority.”
