Oral Answers to Questions

Darren Henry Excerpts

Monday 6th July 2020 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Darren Henry (Broxtowe) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to ensure the provision of a high-quality welfare service for veterans during the covid-19 outbreak.

[Simon Baynes (Clwyd South) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to ensure the provision of a high-quality welfare service for veterans during the covid-19 outbreak.

[The Minister for Defence People and Veterans (Johnny Mercer) [V]]

The Veterans Welfare Service has continued to provide full support to veterans throughout the covid-19 pandemic.

[Darren Henry]

Last week I spoke to Forces in the Community, a charity in Broxtowe that supports veterans re-entering civilian life. We agreed that one of the hardest adjustments is finding a rewarding job, and all too often veterans fall at the first application stage because they do not have the “traditional” experience that employers are looking for. The Government have delivered on their manifesto pledge to harness the talent of veterans, guaranteeing an interview if they are applying for a role in the civil service, but we should aim bigger and better. Will my hon. Friend agree to meet me to discuss a pilot veteran confident employer scheme to be rolled out nationwide, so that more veterans’ skills are recognised and harnessed, and they are given the boost they need to thrive as civilians?

[Johnny Mercer]

I thank my hon. and gallant Friend for his question, and I commend him on his maiden speech, in which he talked about these issues. I am very clear, and the Department is very clear, that the single biggest factor that can improve the life chances of veterans in this country is having a job. We have more veterans going into employment than ever before, but I would be delighted to meet him and hear about his specific efforts in Broxtowe.