Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of his Department’s work with third sector organisations to deliver employment support to veterans.

DWP supports people across the country to move into and progress in work through a range of support including face-to-face time with Work Coaches, job-search advice and more intensive employment programmes.

Specifically on veterans, DWP takes its responsibilities under the Armed Forces Covenant very seriously. Veterans who need support from the department in finding employment are able to get support from their Work Coach. For those who might need extra specialist support, we have a network of Armed Forces Champions spread throughout the Jobcentre Plus network.

Veterans have early voluntary entry to the Work and Health Programme. Other employment support may be available to veterans depending on their circumstances, including specialist local support provided by the third sector which the department may be able to refer them to. Veterans generally enjoy successful employment outcomes when they leave the services, and the Career Transition Partnership has published annual statistics on those they have supported.