Oral Answers to Questions

Jeff Smith Excerpts

Monday 24th May 2021 Commons Chamber

[Kate Osborne (Jarrow) (Lab)]

What steps he has taken to improve the transition of armed forces personnel into employment.

[Jeff Smith (Manchester, Withington) (Lab)]

What steps he has taken to improve the transition of armed forces personnel into employment.

[Ian Byrne (Liverpool, West Derby) (Lab)]

What steps he has taken to improve the transition of armed forces personnel into employment.

--- Later in debate ---

[Leo Docherty]

When it comes to local authorities, we will, when the Armed Forces Bill becomes the Armed Forces Act, issue statutory guidance to ensure that no veteran is at disadvantage. I hope that all local authorities will take that on board and deliver for our veterans in the local community.

[Jeff Smith [V]]

Getting a decent job is key to a successful transition to civilian life, but the Armed Forces Bill, as my hon. Friend the Member for Jarrow (Kate Osborne) said, does not include responsibility for employment or transition. Service charities have said that the Bill is too narrowly focused, so why will the Minister not widen the scope of the Bill to ensure that all the promises of the covenant are delivered by it?

[Leo Docherty]

When it comes to transition, it starts two years before someone actually leaves the armed forces and lasts for two years after they leave. The support that the MOD provides to service leavers lasts for two years, but we must bear in mind that overwhelmingly the vast majority find gainful employment within six months.