Armed Forces Transition into Employment 2021-05-24
2021-05-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question addresses the challenges faced by armed forces personnel transitioning to civilian life and employment.
I am concerned about the steps that have been taken to improve the transition of armed forces personnel into employment. What steps has he taken?
In 2019-20, 84% of service leavers were employed within six months of leaving—the higher than the UK employment rate of 76%. We support people transitioning out of the armed forces with the Career Transition Partnership and Defence Transition Services. We have also introduced a national insurance holiday for employers and veterans and a guaranteed entry scheme for veterans seeking to join the civil service.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the lack of employment focus in the Armed Forces Bill and asks for steps to work with local charities and authorities.
Despite employment not being covered by the Government's Armed Forces Bill, will he outline what steps are being taken to work specifically with local charities and local authorities to ensure that the talent and skills of ex-service personnel are utilised in civilian life?
When it comes to local authorities, we will, when the Armed Forces Bill becomes the Armed Forces Act, issue statutory guidance to ensure that no veteran is at disadvantage. I hope that all local authorities will take that on board and deliver for our veterans in the local community.
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Assessment & feedback
statutory guidance rather than specific steps with charities
Under Review
Not Covered By Bill
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question highlights the narrow focus of the Armed Forces Bill and asks for an expansion to ensure all covenant promises are delivered.
Getting a decent job is key to a successful transition to civilian life, but the Armed Forces Bill does not include responsibility for employment or transition. Service charities have said that the Bill is too narrowly focused, so why will he not widen the scope of the Bill?
When it comes to transition, it starts two years before someone actually leaves the armed forces and lasts for two years after they leave. The support that the MOD provides to service leavers lasts for two years, but we must bear in mind that overwhelmingly the vast majority find gainful employment within six months.
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Assessment & feedback
two-year transition period instead of expanding Bill's scope
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the difficulties faced by veterans who have a final posting far from where they plan to settle.
For my constituents in Liverpool, West Derby who have dedicated themselves to working in the armed forces, the transition to civilian life and employment can be incredibly difficult for them and their families. Having a final posting located far from where they plan to resettle can also have a detrimental impact on the whole process. What steps is his Department taking to address this issue?
Family life is at the heart of service, and service families are an integral part of the defence community. We want flexibility and choice when it comes to choices that families make, and that is why we are bringing forward our families strategy, which will include things like wraparound childcare and a range of other initiatives.
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Assessment & feedback
family life and strategy instead of relocation challenges
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The question addresses the Cobseo report noting only one mention of self-employment in the annual covenant report.
Cobseo, the Confederation of Service Charities has noted that there was only one mention of self-employment or business ownership in the 2020 armed forces covenant annual report. With the pandemic making it more likely that veterans will have to explore self-employment as a viable career option, what action is he taking to ensure that he supports self-employment within the veteran community?
We support service personnel transitioning out and seeking to start their own businesses and be self-employed through the career transition partnership, which is a hugely successful initiative. We recognise that veterans bring some of the key skills to successful self-employment: initiative, discipline and the tendency to work extremely hard.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses survey results suggesting that recruiters are concerned about hiring service leavers due to negative mental health perceptions.
A survey by the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association has suggested that almost half of recruiters would worry about hiring a service leaver because of concerns around negative mental health. While the Government's proposed national insurance relief for businesses that hire veterans is welcome, it does not tackle the root cause of the problem. What are the Government doing to address the misconceptions employers may have about veterans?
I welcome the hon. Lady to her place, and I wish her well in her new appointment. The key thing we can all do is not talk down our veterans but instead talk them up.
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Assessment & feedback
misconceptions among employers
Changing Subject
Response accuracy