Former military personnel enjoy strong public support in the UK,
a study has revealed.
Some 71% of employers believe veterans have a strong work ethic,
while a vast majority of fellow employees say veterans are
resilient individuals they are happy to work alongside, the
YouGov report shows.
The study, which will help shape policy initiatives, was
commissioned by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and examined
perceptions of former military personnel.
More than 12,000 members of the public, as well as employers,
healthcare professionals and members of the media across of the
UK, shared their perceptions of Armed Forces veterans, their
views on how veterans are treated after they leave service and
their opinion on veterans are portrayed in the media.
Employers also highlighted significant potential benefits from
using the skills veterans have acquired to fill skill gaps across
many industries.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs (pictured with
ex-military now working for Barclays) said: ‘Whilst the
majority of veterans transition seamlessly to civilian life, some
need additional help. This study will be vital to shaping our
strategy to get our veterans into work after their time serving
this country.
‘It shows the willingness of employers across the country to take
full advantage of the opportunity that these skilled individuals
can provide.’
The report also makes a number of recommendations, including
stepping up working with employers to provide them with more
information and guidance, particularly focusing on the diverse
range of skills and benefits ex-Service personnel can bring to
employers.
The report also says misconceptions around mental health in the
veteran community should be tackled, with more communications
around the challenges veterans do and do not face.
The Office for Veterans’ Affairs and the wider government
already have a number of programmes in place to boost veteran
employment. These include:
• Businesses and other organisations employing veterans in their
first civilian receiving a one-year National Insurance holiday
• Promoting opportunities for Service leavers and veterans to go
into careers with the uniformed and health services, as well as
teaching
• Launching the Going Forward Into Employment scheme, to provide a
clear pathway for veterans, military partners and spouses who need
extra support into employment and other opportunities in the public
sector
• The Great Place to Work Scheme, where more than 840 Civil Service
jobs have been offered to veterans since the start of 2020.
You can read the full report here.