The UK Government has quietly posted a six-figure job ad not for a policy expert or border agent, but for a communications lead whose main mission is to make the public believe Labour is tackling immigration. Think: Less Border Force, more brand management.
For up to $120,000 (£91,000) the candidate will be expected to help “the department to spot and mitigate risks and deliver attitude and behaviour change that ultimately supports the security and economic prosperity of the UK.”
The successful candidate will also see a generous employer contribution to their pension of 28.97%. But they’ll need to come equipt with an ability to navigate crises, influence Ministers, and drive behaviour change across a highly complex, controversial, and high-stakes area of public service.
And one of the key messages, whoever lands the migration communications role will have to drive home, is that the government is reducing the number of illegal immigrants, including those crossing the Channel in small boats.
A Home Office source stressed to The Telegraph that the position was not newly created, and posted due to a staff change—rather than a change in approach. However, in the report, the Conservatives have questioned whether the position will actually make a difference, while suggesting that the new hire is a PR stunt.
“Instead of stopping illegal immigration they are hiring people to try cover it up,” Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said.
The successful candidate will also have to face the public court of approval. Some social media users were quick to slam the job listing as a waste of taxpayer money and government “propaganda.”
“Instead of fixing an issue they’d rather spend £90k to gaslight you into believing they’ve fixed it,” another added.
