A project to recruit veterans into the private sector and harness their unique skills and experience has been launched at a summit in Dumfries House by Veterans Minister Keith Brown MSP.
The Supporting Veterans into Employment initiative encourages businesses of all sizes and sectors to proactively recruit and benefit from employing veterans in the civilian workforce and will be delivered by Business in the Community, with funding from the SNP Government.
Best practice for recruiting ex-forces personnel will be drawn up between organisations that support veterans’ employment and a series of events will be held to enable employers to network, share ideas, and connect with veterans and the Armed Forces community.
The summit, hosted by Business in the Community and attended by Duke of Rothesay Prince Charles, also promoted a virtual jobs fair for veterans developed by Salute My Job, funded by the SNP Government’s Scottish Veterans Fund. Attending the summit, Mr Brown said:
“Veterans are a significant asset to Scottish businesses. They offer employers their unique skills sets, training and experience. Unfortunately, employers often miss out on the talent offered by veterans as recruitment practices can fail to recognise this valuable experience; experience that could help employers facing challenges in recruitment, retention and skills."
Added Kenneth Gibson:
“This initiative is designed to harness the energy and expertise of supportive employers to champion veterans in the workplace and encourage the private sector as a whole to become more veteran friendly. Many businesses - large and small – now realise the benefits of employing veterans and I encourage employers across Scotland to get involved.”
Jane Wood, Managing Director of Business in the Community Scotland, commented:
“Business in the Community Scotland supports the SNP Government's strategic approach to Supporting Veterans into Employment by brokering the relationship between our network of responsible businesses and the ex-Service men and women whose skills and attributes offer such a significant resource to Scotland's economy and communities. Our partnership with veterans’ organisations such as SaluteMyJob and Scottish Veterans Employment and Training Service builds on our existing engagement in wider civic Scotland, and continues the growth of Scotland's responsible business movement."
Business in the Community members work together to tackle a wide range of issues; their aim is to build a fairer society and more sustainable future. Please find out more at:
Salute My Job is a social enterprise that provides veterans-focused recruitment services. Please see at:
