Appendix 1
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.
