Hundreds of jobs to be created as Home Office signs lease for new base

Hundreds of jobs are on their way to Stoke-on-Trent after the Home Office signed a lease for a new base in the city.

The Government department has signed a deal for office space – totalling more than 38,000 sq ft – at Two Smithfield in Hanley.

The move comes after the Home Office announced that it is expanding its presence in Stoke-on-Trent and establishing a hub in the city as part of the government-wide Places for Growth programme.

Places for Growth will relocate 22,000 roles from London by 2030, including 50% of UK-based senior civil service roles.

The Home Office has committed to creating around 500 new jobs in Stoke-on-Trent, with the first employees expected to move into Two Smithfield in March.

Cllr Abi Brown, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming the Home Office to Stoke-on-Trent in a move which will bring hundreds of new jobs to the city and make the Home Office a major employer in Stoke-on-Trent.

“The addition of the Home Office will help to cement Smithfield as a key city centre gateway and attract more footfall to Hanley and the surrounding areas.

“Two Smithfield is a key location in the city centre and forms part of the wider Smithfield development which already supports thousands of jobs.

“I would urge job-seekers, school leavers and university graduates to explore the local opportunities which are being created by the Home Office.”

The Home Office has confirmed that the first 100 vacancies have already been filled and recruitment continues.

Roles currently being advertised include 160 customer services administrative officers, with more to follow across the customer services, digital and operational teams. Many roles will provide apprenticeship opportunities to enable staff to earn as they learn.