Defence Secretary Urges Public To Show ‘Empathy Not Sympathy’ To Armed Forces Veterans

Sir Michael Fallon has called on businesses to do more to promote the positive role veterans play in the work place this evening, at an Armed Forces charity dinner.

The Defence Secretary told various defence companies that veterans play an important part in the nation’s economy, and asked everyone show them:

“Not tea and sympathy, but empathy”.

Two recent reports, one from Lord Ashcroft and the other from SSAFA, reveal key issues surrounding veterans transitioning from service to civilian life.

Lord Ashcroft’s research found overall people received the armed forces positively however, 54% regarded service leavers as ‘mad, bad and sad’.

Despite that perception, ‘the vast majority of former service personnel go on to lead normal, healthy, productive lives’.

However, SSAFA highlighted loneliness as a key issue, with a quarter of veterans under 65-years-old having suicidal thoughts after leaving the Armed Forces. 

27% of the veterans stated in the research commissioned by SSAFA that they felt they would benefit from meeting someone regularly from a military background who can empathise.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:

"For many veterans, the Armed Forces has proved their making, providing unparalleled leadership skills and expertise that allow them to go on to bigger and better things.

"So today we're issuing a call to businesses to talk up the value of veterans. We need to make sure that employers inside or outside defence appreciate the vast amounts of skills and experience they bring to the table."

The Defence Secretary’s speech comes ahead of the first meeting of the new Armed Forces Covenant and Veterans Board on Thursday.

The board will be co-chaired by Sir Michael Fallon and the First Secretary of State, Damien Green.

The idea is to push forward existing Armed Forces Covenant commitments across Government departments, this includes areas such as healthcare, housing, education and employment opportunities.