The Competition Commission is an independent public body which carries out in-depth inquiries into markets, mergers and the regulation of industries (relating to sectors such as utilities, postal services, railways and airports).
Last updated - 17th November 2009
The Competition Commission is an independent public body which carries out in-depth inquiries into markets, mergers and the regulation of industries (relating to sectors such as utilities, postal services, railways and airports). Our work helps ensure healthy competition between companies in the UK for the benefit of companies, customers and the economy. The work of the Competition Commission affects everyday lives and it is often in the news. Recent inquiries include mergers relating to BSkyB and ITV and the London Stock Exchange; market investigations into airports, grocery retailing, payment protection insurance, rolling stock leasing and store cards; and regulatory inquiries and appeals in relation to mobile call termination and Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports.
As an economist with us you will provide economic analysis and advice on a wide range of issues. The job starts with gathering information relevant to the inquiry, which you will then assess and analyse before pursuing particular lines of investigation. Economic guidance is crucial in assisting the Group of members to their conclusions. Economists work closely with the Group and other professionals to provide accurate, relevant and clear advice. Much of the work is published in the CC’s inquiry reports or on the CC’s website. The exact work carried out by our economists varies depending on the type of inquiry (e.g. merger, market or regulatory) and on the industry involved. In assessing competition in an industry or predicting the impact of mergers on market conditions, typical tasks include dealing with issues like market definition, barriers to entry, predatory pricing, anti-competitive behaviour, international trade, exclusive contracts and vertical restraints, commissioning surveys and statistical and econometric data analysis. As well as conducting our own research, economists appraise evidence submitted by parties and there is substantial interaction with companies and their legal and economic advisors. Increasingly the CC’s work involves use of cutting-edge economic techniques. You will require a thorough understanding of the relevant economic theory and tools of analysis. Support is offered through internal and external courses and conferences, regular economists’ meetings and seminars, and informal and on-the-job training. The economics team is around 25-strong, all based in our office in Holborn.
To find out more about being an economist with the Competition Commission, email julie.bon@cc.gsi.gov.uk. You can also find out more about the work of the CC by visiting the CC’s website at www.competition-commission.org.uk.
To join the economists' team at the CC, at least a masters degree in economics is required. In 2008 the starting offer for Assistant Economists, joining on completion of a masters degree, was £30,900. We also recruit more experienced economists directly as Economic Advisors, at a starting salary of £52,700. In addition, employees receive a performance-related bonus and qualification for the Civil Service pension scheme. The CC usually recruits both Economic Advisors and Assistant Economists directly rather than through the GES. Opportunities are advertised on our website and often in the Economist magazine. We also occasionally take economic assistants and advisors on secondment from other parts of the GES.
