SNP ‘in frantic rush’ to fill jobs after Yes vote

Willie Rennie and Ruth Davidson are both critical of creating jobs to implement independence strategy. Picture: JP

The posts were labelled “business critical” with staff applying for the posts even told there is “no requirement to fill out an application form at this stage.”

The Government insists that the posts are needed to work on the transition period after a Yes vote, but will all be internal appointments.

One of the adverts says the role will involve “collating information on financial aspects of constitutional change”, including “helping to analyse financial information within transition plans”.

It will also involve compiling information on “assets and liabilities held by the UK government and other public bodies”. The SNP Government is adamant that Scotland would be entitled to a share of these after a Yes vote.

Another role, for a “constitution and policy officer” will involve supporting the “planning of negotiations following a Yes vote.”

Tory leader Ruth Davidson branded the situation a “shambles and farcical.”

“Having been in government for more than seven years, Alex Salmond is only just getting round to hiring staff to work out what it would cost to set up all the new departments and institutions needed for a new state,” she said.

Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie added: “The nationalist government is now in a frantic rush to employ staff to work out the set-up costs for their independence plans.

“This desperate recruitment drive is meaningless unless the SNP Government make public the fruits of their labour.”

The Scottish Government last night insisted no new staff are being recruited.

A spokeswoman said: “The Scottish Government is acting to make sure we are as well prepared as possible to take forward the transition work needed in the event of a vote for independence in September’s referendum, including planning for negotiations, as people would expect us to.”