The table below – summarised from the sources listed – sets out some of the shared themes which can impact on gaining and retaining employment after service.

 

Factor

Impact on Gaining Employment

Impact on Retaining Employment

Transition from Service to Civilian Life

Disrupted or unplanned transition reduces readiness for civilian recruitment; weaker job search capability

Difficulty adapting to civilian workplace norms; early job exits

Skills Translation & Recognition

Military experience poorly understood by employers; veterans enter work below skill level

Underemployment leads to dissatisfaction, disengagement, and turnover

Confidence 

Veterans undersell or mis present skills in applications and interviews

Reduced confidence affects progression, performance reviews, and retention

Health & Wellbeing 

Health conditions limit job choice or delay labour market entry

Fluctuating health impacts attendance, performance, and job sustainability

Employer Awareness & Workplace Culture

Stereotypes or lack of understanding deter recruitment

Poor line management and inflexibility increase attrition

Caring Responsibilities & Life Circumstances

Reduced availability for full time or shift work; constrained sector choice

Inflexible roles become unsustainable over time

Access to Employment Support

Veterans unaware of support or disengage from services that feel inaccessible

Time limited support fails to address later employment challenges

Job Quality & Security

Entry into insecure or short term work under financial pressure

High churn, instability, and limited progression

Networks

Limited civilian networks reduce access to informal job opportunities

Lack of workplace advocates affects progression and retention

Geography & Mobility

Restricted job markets due to housing, family, or health needs

Long commutes or relocation pressures reduce job longevity

 

Sources:

Barnes, S.-A., Fisher, N., Newell, K., & Lyonette, C. (2025). Securing and maintaining longer-term employment: UK military service leavers’ experiences in the civilian labour market. The International Journal of Human Resource Management.

Baumann, J., Williamson, C., & Murphy, D. (n.d.). Exploring the impact of gender-specific challenges during and after military service on female UK veterans. Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health.

Centre for Evidence for the Armed Forces Community. (2025). Understanding veterans’ long-term employment journeys.

Forces in Mind Trust Research Centre. (2024). Post-service employment among ex-service personnel and their partners. RAND Europe.

Godier McBard, L., Gillin, N., & Fossey, M. (2022). Stakeholder perspectives on the provision of health and social care support for female veterans in the UK. Health & Social Care in the Community, 30(6).

Hooks, C., Morgan, L., Fossey, M., Buxton, E., & Godier McBard, L. (2023). Recognition and representation: UK female veterans’ experiences of support in civilian life. Anglia Ruskin University.

King’s Centre for Military Health Research. (2025). Supporting successful transition (SUSTAIN): Facilitators and barriers to servicewomen transitioning out of the Armed Forces. King’s College London.

Office for Veterans’ Affairs, Ministry of Defence, & Office for National Statistics. (2025). Employment, skills and volunteering: UK armed forces veterans (Veterans’ Survey 2022). UK Government.

Parry, E., Battista, V., Williams, M., Robinson, D., & Takala, H. (2019). Female service leavers and employment. Cranfield University & Institute for Employment Studies.

UK Government. (2025). Veterans strategy 2025. Ministry of Defence.

UK Government, Office for Veterans’ Affairs. (2023). New Women Veterans’ Strategy to look at experiences of former female service personnel.

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A range of activity and engagements took place in July, with highlights including a celebration of the work of Unforgotten Forces and the chance to speak with members of the Royal Canadian Navy and Air Force on board HMCS Ville de Quebec.

Read more in my latest blog, link in bio - SVC news and blogs 🔗
A range of activity and engagements took place in July, with highlights including a celebration of the work of Unforgotten Forces and the chance to speak with members of the Royal Canadian Navy and Air Force on board HMCS Ville de Quebec. Read more in my latest blog, link in bio - SVC news and blogs 🔗
4 days ago
Delighted to speak with members of the Royal Canadian Navy and Air Force on board HMCS Ville de Quebec which visited Glasgow as the flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1.

It was an honour to meet the commander of SNMG1, Commodore Maryla Ingham RN pictured here with women Naval veterans.
Delighted to speak with members of the Royal Canadian Navy and Air Force on board HMCS Ville de Quebec which visited Glasgow as the flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1. It was an honour to meet the commander of SNMG1, Commodore Maryla Ingham RN pictured here with women Naval veterans.
1 week ago
Last month I published my latest report on Veterans and Employment. This review looked at the developing landscape for veteran employment, and the associated opportunities and challenges for those leaving Service. 

Read more in my latest blog, link in bio - SVC news and blogs 🔗
Last month I published my latest report on Veterans and Employment. This review looked at the developing landscape for veteran employment, and the associated opportunities and challenges for those leaving Service. Read more in my latest blog, link in bio - SVC news and blogs 🔗
1 week ago
A valuable meeting with 51 Brigade’s SO2 Welfare at Redford Barracks yesterday, discussing the challenges faced by Service Leavers and their families, particularly around health, employment and housing.

A key takeaway was the importance of Service Leavers accessing the support, briefings and information available to them, and ensuring that the advice provided reflects the realities of settling in Scotland. Access to the right information at the right time can make a real difference to a successful transition.
A valuable meeting with 51 Brigade’s SO2 Welfare at Redford Barracks yesterday, discussing the challenges faced by Service Leavers and their families, particularly around health, employment and housing. A key takeaway was the importance of Service Leavers accessing the support, briefings and information available to them, and ensuring that the advice provided reflects the realities of settling in Scotland. Access to the right information at the right time can make a real difference to a successful transition.
2 weeks ago
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