Former Army Medic Who Slept Rough In Cave Hails New Job

Bill Webb has started a new job as a brewery tour guide - he was previously homeless and lived in a cave. Image: Southbourne Ales.

A former British Army medic who was sleeping rough in a cave after being left homeless has started a new job as a brewery tour guide.

Bill Webb managed to get his own flat in Bournemouth after selling the Big Issue and taking part in the magazine's charitable arm.

But after the 62-year-old started taking public speaking workshops at a local university, he has become a brewery tour guide.

He said:

 "I did the tour to see what was expected of me, then I added my own touches while rehearsing at home.

"I'm hoping this job will see me through to retirement."

Owner, Jennifer Tingay, said:

"He's a confident public speaker, he's knowledgeable about the industry and he's got a really positive outlook, so it is great to be able to give him this opportunity to progress."

Homeless veterans

Last month, a report was released that suggested well over a thousand ex-service personnel each year in England require urgent support to find accommodation.

The research was commissioned by veterans’ housing charity Stoll and social housing provider Riverside, conducted by the University of York and funded by the Forces in Mind Trust.

Unemployed veterans

In the summer of 2017, statistics released by the Veterans Employment Transition Support programme showed that 5,000 people are expected to leave the military in the next five years with 1-in-10 facing long-term unemployment.

The report stated that another 12% will be under-employed -- in work but not using their skills.