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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On the anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, marking the end of the Second World War, tribute is paid to the Allied forces whose courage, service and sacrifice helped shape the course of history. Their legacy lives on in the freedoms enjoyed today. 

It is also a day to remember the enduring impact of war on those who returned with life-changing injuries, visible and unseen; and the families, friends and communities whose lives were forever altered by conflict.
On the anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, marking the end of the Second World War, tribute is paid to the Allied forces whose courage, service and sacrifice helped shape the course of history. Their legacy lives on in the freedoms enjoyed today. It is also a day to remember the enduring impact of war on those who returned with life-changing injuries, visible and unseen; and the families, friends and communities whose lives were forever altered by conflict.
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I was also delighted to meet members of the Black Watch Association Welfare Committee over lunch. It was invaluable to hear directly about the experiences, concerns, and priorities of veterans within the Black Watch community. Our discussion highlighted the important role that regimental associations continue to play in supporting veterans, maintaining lifelong connections, and strengthening links with families and local communities.

@blackwatchmuseum
It was a pleasure to meet Angus Council’s Veterans Champion, Cllr Ronnie Proctor, at Balhousie Castle, home of The Black Watch Association and Museum. The excellent museum brings to life the regiment’s proud history and heritage, recognising its distinguished contribution to our nation’s defence and the service and sacrifice of generations of soldiers and their families. I was also delighted to meet members of the Black Watch Association Welfare Committee over lunch. It was invaluable to hear directly about the experiences, concerns, and priorities of veterans within the Black Watch community. Our discussion highlighted the important role that regimental associations continue to play in supporting veterans, maintaining lifelong connections, and strengthening links with families and local communities. @blackwatchmuseum
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@defencegardens 
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Today I joined Service Leavers, veterans, family members and support providers at the Defence Garden Scheme's Cultivate and Connect course at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. It was inspiring to see and hear at first hand how this nature based programme is supporting Service Leavers and veterans, making a positive difference to their recovery, wellbeing and connection with others. @defencegardens @rbgedinburgh
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