Serve and prosper: Sunak and Mercer launch scheme to help veterans secure better-paid jobs
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is launching an employment plan which pledges to help veterans secure high-paid jobs after they leave the Armed Forces.
Op Prosper aims to support veterans into work where they can use the skills they developed in the military.
The scheme is part of the Government's plan to make the UK "the best place in the world to be a veteran" and is being backed by £2.1m of new funding.
Mr Sunak 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.
"That is why I am proud to announce Op Prosper, which will support veterans in securing high-skilled roles in key sectors that are helping to grow the economy."
Mr Sunak and Veterans' Affairs Minister Johnny Mercer met former personnel and employers at a Veterans Connect event to discuss the employment support.
The scheme will encourage businesses to hire veterans in areas such as cyber, digital, manufacturing, energy, financial and professional services.
A range of support will be offered to veterans and their families, delivered by employment professionals who will make sure they are supported to go straight into new roles or take the next step in their existing career.
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."
The former Army officer went on to say: "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.
"Hiring a veteran is one of the best business decisions a company can make, and Op Prosper will help ensure this is realised by all employers across the country."
When asked what help veterans had asked for in regards to employment, Mr Mercer told Forces News: "To give them a chance.
"If you employ someone into your company, you will surely work out it's the best decision you can make. You're going to get an employee who has all the attributes of service life and is applying them to your company. It’ll improve your bottom line.
"There’s 2.2m veterans in this country, you've got a big market to help and I'm looking forward to the first results."
The Government said veteran employment in the UK was at an all-time high at 89%, but added: "There is more we can do."
Shadow veterans minister Steve McCabe said the announcement was a step in the right direction but the Government had still "failed" veterans.
He said: "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.
"Labour is deeply proud of our Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families. In government, we will renew the nation's contract with those who serve and fully incorporate the Armed Forces Covenant into law."
Julie McCarthy, from Armed Forces charity SSAFA, said of the launch: "SSAFA welcomes the announcement today of Op Prosper.
"We look forward to seeing its implementation and what it will mean for UK Armed Forces as they leave one career and progress into another.
"And we'll be paying special attention to how Op Prosper delivers to vulnerable and early service leavers."
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