THE Government says it is “accelerating” recruitment in Darlington – with one of the director generals of UK Trade and Investment set to start working in the town next month.

UK Trade and Investment North is being set up in Darlington, with five senior civil servants expected to start working there in September.

So far, 100 jobs have been advertised.

READ MORE: Government jobs being advertised in Darlington

The department announced in March that  it hopes 500 roles will be based in Darlington by 2030.

Jo Crellin, one of five directors general in the department, will start in Darlington next month.

She has worked for the UK government since 2001, and has previously been director general for the Department for International Trade (DIT) for Latin America.

Darlington is one of four offices being opened, with others in Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh.

READ MORE: International Trade will be BIGGEST department in Darlington's Government campus

UK Trade and Investment North has been advertising for 100 jobs since June.

Liz Truss, the secretary for international trade, said: “I’m determined for our independent trade policy to bring jobs and opportunities to every part of the UK. 

“By creating a more investment and export-led economy we can address geographic inequality and boost growth across the nations and regions. 

“More trade means more jobs, more opportunities and more vibrant local areas - that is what our UK Trade and Investment Offices will help deliver.”

A spokesperson for the department said there would be a “broad range of high-value jobs” on offer.

The department will be part of the economic campus being built at Central Park, near Bank Top Station, which was announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in his March budget.

So far, it has been announced that 750 Treasury workers, 500 Overseas Trade civil servants and 100 people from the business department will be based there.

The Office for National Statistics has also said 120 jobs are being moved to Darlington.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Securing the government’s Northern Economic Campus for Darlington was a huge coup for our region and we are already feeling the benefits.

“As a globally trading region Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool have always looked outwards to the rest of the world, so there is no better place for Trade and Investment North to be set up.

“The jobs that are being created mean local people can forge a well-paid rewarding career at the heart of government without having to leave the region they love and call home.”

In total, the department for international trade says it will move 550 jobs to Darlington, Edinburgh and Belfast by 2025, increasing to 750 by 2030. 

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