Launched on the 12th April, Operation Prosper is a new wraparound employment service to support veterans into work after they leave the Armed Forces.
In the Sefton borough, the recent Census reported 10,879 people had previously served in the UK's armed forces. Sefton Central Constituency 3,460, Bootle Constituency 3,634 and Southport Constituency 3,785. Many of those veterans will have faced difficulties in securing jobs that matched the skills they'd gained in the forces.
This latest initiative is backed by £2.1 million in new cash and will support veterans in securing high paid jobs, where they can use the skills that they developed in the military in key sectors such as cyber and digital, manufacturing, energy and financial and professional services.
Veterans’ employment in the UK is at an all-time high, at 89%, but there is more we can do. The initiative will also provide wrap-around support to veterans and their families, delivered by experienced employability professionals. This will make sure that they are supported to go straight into new roles or take the next step in their existing career.
In 2022, the Government introduced a 12-month National Insurance relief for employers hiring veterans into their first role after service, which has been extended for another year. This tax incentive gives businesses potential savings of up to £6,200 per employee, while also allowing them to benefit from the fantastic skills and experience that veterans bring.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer said:
"Our veterans leave the military with an abundance of skills, and the tenacity and drive to continue achieving greatness. But for too long, too many have ended up in jobs that don’t fully harness their talents and abilities. That is why we’re introducing Op Prosper.
By connecting veterans with employers, engaging industry bodies on the importance of hiring veterans, and strengthening their qualifications and skills, this Government will ensure more ex-servicemen and women are securing high quality and fulfilling employment.
Hiring a veteran is one of the best business decisions a company can make, and OP PROSPER will help ensure this is realised by all employers across the country".
The Government has committed to make the UK the best place in the world for veterans, providing an additional £33 million in funding to support veterans over the next three years, with a further £10 million announced in the 2023 Autumn statement for veterans’ healthcare. In 2021, Op Courage was launched as a bespoke mental health support for veterans supported by professionals who are from or have experience of working with the military community, and over 30,000 veterans have used this service to date.
Earlier this year the government launched a new digital service enabling veterans to verify their veteran status and apply for a Veteran Card, streamlining the process to access veteran-specific support. Since the project launched, almost 100,000 Veteran Cards have been issued.
The Veteran Card provides veterans with a clear recognition of service, a tangible link to the Armed Forces, and allows them to easily verify their veteran status to access support and services from government, charities, and local authorities.
Alistair Halliday, Chief Executive, Forces Employment Charity, said:
"We are excited that Op PROSPER supports us in developing and extending our specialist knowledge and understanding to bridge the gap between military life and civilian employment and work in partnership with hundreds of employers who, like us, respect and value the unique qualities and abilities of all those who have served and their families.
Veterans and their families will be able to come to the Forces Employment Charity and receive free 121 support from our specialist career advisors to explore new job opportunities that will enhance success and prosperity for themselves and their families, regardless of their background or where they are based in the UK".
Sefton Conservatives are also inviting veterans to consider getting involved in their community by standing for election - as councillor, MP or Police & Crime Commissioner at future elections.
Serving and former members of the Armed Forces can join us with a reduced rate of £25 a year by visiting www.conservatives.com/join
More information:
- If you are interested in developing an Armed Forces Engagement Strategy, or are an industry or professional body, please contact [email protected]
- If you are an employer who would like to learn more about Op PROSPER, please complete the Register your Interest form or email [email protected] with any questions.
- If you are a veteran or member of the military community and would like to learn more about Op PROSPER please register with Forces Employment Charity or call their Veteran Support Team on 0121 262 3058
