The exemption means that the armed forces are not
required by law, to recruit or retain personnel with a
condition that may be disabling under UK law.
Disability is defined as a person with ‘a physical or
mental impairment, which has a substantial and
long-term adverse effect on the ability to carry out
normal day-to-day activities.’ In a practical sense,
this includes a broad range of physical and mental
conditions, including cancer and multiple sclerosis, to
arthritis and mental health.
As part of the UK’s obligations to the UN’s Convention
on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, every five
years it must look again at the armed forces’ exemption
and review whether it is still appropriate.
The review will look at how the exemption affects the
operational capability of the armed forces and our
personnel and will examine if alternative options could
better support personnel without any negative impact on
operational effectiveness.
To achieve this, the review will look at how the
military compares with the blue light services, to
understand how being part of the Convention affects
their workforces. The MOD will also work with other
nations to share perspectives and best practice.
Personnel with a disability already serve in a variety
of roles across the Armed Forces, and while the MOD
does not currently hold exact figures on military
personnel with a disability, the department plans to
enable better data collection in the future.
Minister for Defence People and Veterans said:
In an ever-changing world, we need to ensure that the
armed forces maintain their operational
effectiveness, while at the same time looking after
all of our personnel who serve.
This review demonstrates that we are taking the issue
of disability seriously and that we are open-minded
in our approach.
The MOD has recently established a number of
initiatives to support disabled personnel as they serve
their country, including appointing an Armed Forces
Disability Champion and establishing a network for
Service personnel, Carers and some veterans with a
life-changing or life-limiting condition or a
disability.
The review will start early in 2019.
