This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience.

The Observer and our selected partners use cookies and similar technologies (together “cookies”) that are necessary to present this website, and to ensure you get the best experience of it. If you consent to it, we will also use cookies for analytics purposes.

See our Cookie Policy to read more about the cookies we set.

You can withdraw and manage your consent at any time, by clicking “Manage cookies” at the bottom of each website page.

Select which cookies you accept

On this site, we always set cookies that are strictly necessary, meaning they are necessary for the site to function properly.

If you consent to it, we will also set other types of cookies. You can provide or withdraw your consent to the different types of cookies using the toggles below. You can change or withdraw your consent at any time, by clicking the link “Manage Cookies”, which is always available at the bottom of the site.

To learn more about what the different types of cookies do, how your data is used when they are set etc, see our Cookie Policy.

These cookies are necessary to make the site work properly, and are always set when you visit the site.

Vendors Teamtailor

These cookies collect information to help us understand how the site is being used.

Vendors Teamtailor
Skip to main content

Be part of the story

Connect Job openings

On the Soul of the Paper

The personality of successful news organisations has often been shaped by a single great editor. In the case of The Observer, it was David Astor, who was editor from 1948 to 1975.

Current job openings

All jobs

The Observer in numbers

Established
Employees

Meet the Observers

Eva Wiseman

Senior Staff Writter

Tom Gatti

Literary Editor

Rachel Sylvester

Political Editor

Our journey through time

Sunday, December 4, 1791

W.S. Bourne founded The Observer

Bourne stated the newspaper would share "the spirit of enlightened Freedom, decent Toleration and universal Benevolence". Launched in London, we made history as the very first Sunday newspaper.

a large metal structure
Early 1800s

Speaking truth to power (and paying the price)

The paper’s early editors are jailed for challenging the government. Journalism at The Observer isn’t just a job, it’s a risk.

grayscale photography of group of women marching on road
1940s

Wartime voices that shaped history

During World War II, legendary writer George Orwell contributes essays and commentary, helping define the paper’s intellectual edge and moral clarity during one of the world’s darkest periods. Famously quote us as being: 

“The Enemy of Nonsense” 


1993

Joining forces with The Guardian

The Guardian Media Group acquires The Observer, creating a powerful editorial partnership. Weekday and Sunday journalism align under shared values: independence, progressiveness, and fearless reporting in a new era for our business.

2000s

We begin our love affair with digital transformation

We embrace the shift online, reaching global audiences and evolving from a traditional print paper into a modern multimedia brand.

2025

A new chapter with Tortoise Media

After more than 30 years with The Guardian, The Observer is sold to Tortoise Media, marking a bold new era focused on 'Slow News', thoughtful journalism for a modern audience.

Benefits

  • Healthcare Package for Everyone

    Private Healthcare (BUPA), Income Protection (Canada Life), Life Assurance  at 4 times salary (Canada Life)

  • Cycle to Work Scheme

    Supporting healthier, more sustainable ways to get around — our Cycle to Work scheme makes it easier to invest in your wellbeing while reducing your environmental impact.

  • Interest-free season ticket loans

    Helping take the stress out of getting to work — with interest-free season ticket loans that make commuting simpler and more manageable.

  • Free snacks and drinks in the Newsroom

    A well-stocked Newsroom to keep energy high and ideas flowing — a space to recharge, connect with the team, and step away from your desk when you need it.

  • Generous leave entitlement

    Time to properly switch off — with 30 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, giving you the space to rest, recharge, and come back at your best. You can carry over up to 10 days, but we encourage everyone to take the time they need and truly switch off

  • Enhanced parental leave

    We offer enhanced parental leave so you can focus on your growing family, not work.

The Observer Newsroom, London

Already working at The Observer?

Let’s recruit together and find your next colleague.

@observer.co.uk
Career site by Teamtailor