The UK’s Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) is urging employers to tap into one of the country’s most underutilised talent pools – military veterans. Backed by compelling new data, the message is clear: hiring veterans is not a mere goodwill gesture, but provides a strategic advantage.
In a recent OVA survey of 600 senior managers, 91% of employers who hired veterans reported benefits ranging from stronger work ethics to enhanced team discipline. Even more compelling, 86% agreed that veterans had the skills to excel in management roles, spotlighting them as a powerful force in today’s competitive job market.
The barriers veterans face in recruitment after service
The Veterans’ Survey 2022 adds deeper context to the discussion. It found that 85.4% of veterans believed they had transferable skills and more than 81% said they had already used those skills in civilian work. Yet despite this confidence and capability, more than half took a job below their previous skill level, often because employers did not understand or recognise their experience.
Unemployment rates were notably higher among female veterans, those with disabilities and those who had recently left service, especially when they felt unprepared for civilian life.
Veterans frequently cited a lack of suitable job options and limited employer understanding as reasons for underemployment or stalled career progression.
Soft skills
Where veterans truly shine is in the soft skills economy – areas where many businesses now struggle. From resilience and leadership to strategic thinking and composure under pressure, these are qualities honed over years of military service and now in high demand across sectors.
Targeted support is still needed
To help bridge this gap between potential and placement, the government has launched Op ASCEND, a programme delivered by the Forces Employment Charity. It offers tailored support to veterans seeking work and guidance for employers on best practices for recruitment and retention.
For employers, Op ASCEND provides a free suite of services designed to help organisations tap into the valuable skills and experience that veterans bring to the workforce:
- Direct access to military talent: Op ASCEND connects businesses with veterans and military families throughout the UK.
- Recruitment guidance: The service helps employers understand the commercial benefits of hiring veterans and provides guidance on how to navigate recruitment pathways that are accessible to the military community, as well as retaining veteran employees.
- Employment events: The programme organises sector-focused events across the country, creating opportunities for employers to connect directly with potential veteran candidates.
To tap into this talent pool, experts also recommend that HR teams move toward skills-based recruitment, conduct structured interviews and offer mentorship and mental health support tailored to veterans’ needs.
Conclusion
Veterans have the potential to bring significant value to the civilian workforce. With targeted support, greater awareness and smarter hiring strategies, businesses can do more than support those who served. In doing so, they stand to gain a genuine edge in an economy increasingly driven by adaptability and resilience.
You can read the government guidance on hiring veterans here.
