Job prospects boom for nation's veterans

New research by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) showed traders are more positive now than ever before when recruiting armed forces personnel.

FSB’s investigation showed the number of firms reluctant to take on a reservist had fallen dramatically over the past three years, with businesses increasingly valuing the experience veterans can bring.

However, in spite of this, the organisation said more still needed to be done by businesses to support troops.

Mike Cherry, FSB’s policy director, said: ‘Reservists and service leavers often bring unique skills and qualities to the job, especially around leadership and management, and businesses clearly recognise that.

‘The government has made good progress towards encouraging employers to take on reservists. The financial support now on offer to a small employer can help to cover the cost when a member of staff is deployed. But there are clearly still challenges to overcome.

‘We would like to see more small businesses supporting our troops. They serve our country and the skills they come back with are diverse and often invaluable.’