Ofcom to create tech hub and up to 150 new jobs in Manchester

Communications regulator Ofcom has announced plans to open a new technology hub in Manchester – creating up to 150 new jobs by 2025.

It comes as the organisation prepares to also become the regulator for internet companies under the Government’s proposed Online Safety Bill.

Ofcom said it wanted to draw on Manchester’s reputation as a centre for technology and innovation as it sought new recruits to help prepare for the new online regulation.

The new hub is expected to be operational by the summer, with the new roles created to offer digital and technical expertise.

“We’re delighted to be preparing for a new digital and technology hub in Manchester,” Ofcom chief executive Melanie Dawes said.

“We want to tap into the huge array of tech, digital and data talent in the city as we prepare for pioneering new work around online safety and security.”

Late last year, the Government confirmed it intended to appoint Ofcom as the regulator for online harms in the UK as part of the Online Safety Bill, which will introduce tighter regulation for tech and internet companies around harmful content, with penalties for those who breach a duty of care to their users.

The bill is expected before Parliament by the end of the year.

Ofcom said it was also expanding its operations in Cardiff, Belfast and Edinburgh as part of efforts to offer a range of roles across the remit of its work.