Black ex-servicemen and women are struggling to find employment once they leave the armed forces new figures has revealed.

The Forces for London Programme, an employment support service solely dedicated to providing jobs and careers advice to ex-Servicemen and women living in the capital, says that BAME veterans are struggling to find employment in the capital.

The programme, which is run by RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity, says that 56% of all the applications it has received since the its launch in November 2017 have come from BAME applicants, a figure 10 times greater than the predicted 5%.

Now RFEA is calling for more to be done to support BAME ex-Forces job seekers.

Alistair Halliday, Chief Executive of RFEA said: “We know that Service leavers and veterans face a unique set of challenges when seeking civilian employment. We were surprised to hear from such a high number of BAME applicants, as there is a relatively small number of BAME ex-military living in the capital, so it shows that more needs to be done to make sure that all ex-servicemen and women are getting the support they need to find employment opportunities that enable them to thrive.”

Ryan Gill, who is based in North West London, is among those who need support.

He served in the Army for 14 years, reaching the rank of Sergeant and serving in the War in Afghanistan. 

When he left the Services in 2017 he aimed to run a fishing business in Jamaica, but the business did not make enough for him to live on. 

ADVICE

Ryan is now back in the London looking for work. Ryan has recently joined RFEA’s Forces for London programme where he has been given CV advice, been pointed in the direction of jobs and job fairs specifically for ex-Forces and gained practical work experience opportunities through volunteering.

He said:“The biggest challenge I face is finding a permanent role instead of a temporary role – especially one that pays enough to cover the cost of living in London. There is a Catch 22 of being a veteran seeking civilian employment. Employers know that your work background is military, but they want experience relevant to their role – so how do you bridge that gap? There are a lot of courses and funding available to help veterans, but getting the support and aid available to access them is harder to find.”

“If you’re an individual who has always considered themselves as the breadwinner and someone who wants to strive, not being employed permanently, or full time, affects you mentally – it drains you. Without a good job you, are unable to function and that affects everything.”

OPPORTUNITIES

Forces for London programme uniquely offers one-to-one advice and guidance with a dedicated advisor, plus volunteering, mentoring and work experience opportunities with employers in the capital who value the skills and attributes of ex-military. It also offers training to help job seekers gain the right skills.

Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Deputy Mayor of London for Social Integration, Social Mobility, said: “Our armed forces make unimaginable sacrifices in order to keep us safe so it is only right we provide our veterans with the help they deserve once they return to civilian life.

SKILLS

“While they have gained extensive skills in service, it is clear that veterans from BAME communities in the capital face particular challenges finding meaningful work once they leave the forces.

“The Forces for London programme provides crucial support to veterans from diverse backgrounds, offering them invaluable insight into the job market and helping them develop the competitive edge they need to compete in an ever-changing job market.”