Rishi Sunak is launching a £2.1m scheme to help veterans into high-paid jobs after they leave the armed forces amid an ongoing debate about their welfare.
‘Operation Prosper’ aims to support veterans into workplaces where they can use skills they have acquired in the military and to make the UK “the best place in the world to be a veteran”.
As part of the scheme, businesses will be encouraged to hire veterans in areas such as cyber, digital, manufacturing, energy, and financial and professional services, while support will be offered to help veterans into their new roles.
The prime minister said: “The courageous men and women who have served in our armed forces represent the very best of our country and we must serve them as well as they have served us.
“They deserve our full support to thrive in civilian life and to continue contributing their incredible skills to the prosperity of our country.”
Mr Sunak will be accompanied by Johnny Mercer, the veterans’ affairs minister, at a Veterans Connect event to discuss the employment support on Friday.
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Mr Mercer said: “Our veterans leave the military with an abundance of skills, and the tenacity and drive to continue achieving greatness.
“But for too long, too many have ended up in jobs that don’t fully harness their talents and abilities. That is why we’re introducing Op Prosper.
“By connecting veterans with employers, engaging industry bodies on the importance of hiring veterans, and strengthening their qualifications and skills, this government will ensure more ex-servicemen and women are securing high-quality and fulfilling employment.”
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The new scheme comes on top of the government’s decision in 2022 to introduce a 12-month national insurance relief for employers hiring veterans into their first role after service. The relief has been extended for another year.
The government said veteran employment in the UK is at an all-time high at 89%, but added “there is more we can do”.
More than 30,000 veterans have used mental health support scheme ‘Operation Courage’ since its launch in 2021.
Earlier this year, the government launched a new digital service allowing veterans to verify their veteran status and apply for a veteran card to receive tailored support, with almost 100,000 veteran cards having been issued since the launch.
Steve McCabe MP, Labour’s Shadow Veterans Minister, said: “This announcement is a step in the right direction but let’s not forget it is the Conservatives that halved employment support for veterans and have failed Armed Forces communities for the last 14 years.
“Ministers have overseen a rise in veterans’ homelessness, repeatedly failed to roll out veterans ID cards, and tens of thousands of veterans are now relying on universal credit just to get by during a cost-of-living crisis.”
