Oral Answers to Questions

Mary Robinson Excerpts

Monday 23rd April 2018 Commons Chamber

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

5. What discussions he has had with the service chiefs on armed forces personnel working with Capita to improve recruitment.

[Mary Robinson (Cheadle) (Con)]

14. What discussions he has had with the service chiefs on armed forces personnel working with Capita to improve recruitment.

[The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mark Lancaster)]

I discuss armed forces recruitment regularly with the principal personnel officers of each service and with the Chief of the General Staff. Implementation of the recruitment improvement plan is a priority and I am monitoring it very closely.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mary Robinson]

A constituent of mine, Mr Lamb, served in the Army for 43 years, the last 13 being spent in recruitment. Contract changes meant that in January this year he was discharged 72 days before his 60th birthday and his planned retirement date. He tells me that, despite senior officers seeking to find him employment, the date was fixed and he lost 72 days of his pension. Will the Minister look carefully at how Capita is fulfilling its contract so that recruitment personnel are not disadvantaged?

[Mark Lancaster]

My hon. Friend is a champion for her constituents. As she knows, I wrote to her on 26 March regarding this matter. I would be delighted to meet her again if she has any further questions she wishes to raise with me.

In general terms, we work closely with Capita. I have mentioned before at the Dispatch Box how we are looking at moving to a more regional recruiting mechanism and ensuring that we have young role models.