LABOUR today launches a new scheme to help armed forces veterans get back into work.
Already, 22 leading employers across Britain, including the Scottish Football Association and Celtic FC, have signed up to the scheme to help veterans improve their transition and resettlement into civilian life.
Other participants are Greggs, Comet, O2, Aldi, Centrica, the Rugby Football Union and John Lewis.
The Royal British Legion will offer advice and support to participating employers.
The scheme comes as the Ministry of Defence is engaged in a redundancy programme as the regular Army is being reduced from 100,000 to 80,000.
Labour stressed how the veterans had a wide range of skills arising from their military service, including those involving leadership, teamwork and organisation, and that society must do more to provide additional support to help them find employment.
Jim Murphy MP, the Shadow Defence Secretary, said: "We want to strengthen the Military Covenant by finding new ways to support our forces. We should start by recognising that the experience of service creates not just brilliant soldiers but also great citizens who have much to give to our country."
The Labour front bencher said that while his party was not in government, it could still promote ways of supporting those who had kept Britain safe.
He added: "It is wrong that someone who has served in Afghanistan is expected to join the back of the queue at the local job centre. This is not about special treatment but overcoming barriers to provide a level playing field for service people."
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