Forget James Bond’s licence to kill – all you need for a job at MI5 is a couple of GCSEs and a travel pass.
Bosses at the security service are recruiting handlers to look after agents.
And the basic requirements for the high-pressure espionage role are passes in English and maths – plus a good knowledge of public transport, as you’ll be meeting agents on services like buses.
Pay is £51,000 a year with an extra £3,000 added for working unsociable hours while meeting spies.
"A high level of fitness isn’t necessary but you will need to be mobile as you’ll spend a lot of time meeting agents outside of the office, both on foot and public transport," a job advert for the London-based MI5 agent handler roles reveals.
“You’ll also have a minimum of two GCSEs in maths and English language.
“As an agent handler, you’ll be trained to recruit and oversee relationships with members of the public who provide MI5 with information on potential threats.
“You’ll work closely with these agents, building trust to gather intelligence that keeps the country safe.”
Spy chiefs say there is a lot of administration involved but successful candidates will get to “nurture productive working relationships” with spies. Applicants should also be self-starters who are neither shaken nor stirred at the idea of working independently or making “informed decisions”.
And they should have good people skills – think less James Bond, more Miss Moneypenny.
The recruitment ad states: “Our Agent Handlers take time to understand and respond to different agents’ unique situations, and are able to interact with a diverse range of people. They need a high level of empathy, curiosity and an open demeanour to ensure people feel comfortable confiding in them.”
The agency adds: “MI5 safeguards the UK against a range of threats, such as terrorism and state threats like espionage and sabotage.
“We investigate individuals and organisations who pose a threat to the UK by obtaining, collating, analysing and assessing secret intelligence relating to these threats.”
