Spy agency is bringing hundreds of jobs to Manchester
Hundreds of new jobs are to be created in Manchester with the Government’s intelligence agency GCHQ set to open a base in the city.
GCHQ has said it wants to tap into the pool of talented, tech savvy people working in the North West and the move will put the city at the heart of the nation’s security community.
The announcement has come 11 months after the terror attack on Manchester Arena which left 22 people dead.
Terrorist Salman Abedi also injured more than 500 people who were attending an Ariana Grande concert.
It also came on the day that it was revealed retailer Shop Direct is axing 2,000 jobs in the city.
The announcement from GCHQ has underlined Manchester’s status as a centre for technology and cutting-edge businesses.
The new centre will open next year and it will work closely MI5 and MI6 to fight terrorism, global threats and organised crime.
The GCHQ centre will “using cutting-edge technology” to take on terrorists and the growing threat of cyber crime.
Director Jeremy Fleming said: “Our new facility will open up a huge new pool of talented, tech savvy recruits vital to our future success.
“Manchester is a city full of talent and innovation. It is also a city known for its tolerance and inclusivity, which last year was tragically attacked by someone who had neither.
“In that difficult time, we at GCHQ drew strength from the togetherness and resilience shown by all of Manchester’s communities. That’s how you defeat terrorism.”
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This announcement will create hundreds of jobs and represents a huge vote of confidence in the potential talent pool of employees in and around Manchester.
“GCHQ perform a vital role in helping to keep the country safe and we look forward to welcoming them to the city in 2019.”
Around 6,000 work for GCHQ which has its headquarters in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
Last year the National Cyber Security Centre, which is part of GCHQ, opened its headquarters in London.
Jobs at the new Manchester offices will be advertised later this year.
