Oral Answers to Questions

Chi Onwurah Excerpts

Thursday 22nd June 2023 Commons Chamber

[Jeremy Quin]

The hon. Gentleman has made his point in his normal way and I am certain it will be picked up by my colleagues in the Home Office.

[Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab)]

8. What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help veterans access well-paid employment.

[The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs (Johnny Mercer)]

Veterans employment in this country is strong, with 87% of veterans securing employment within six months after service, helping to deliver on the Government’s priority to grow the economy.

[Chi Onwurah]

As we celebrate Armed Forces Week, let us celebrate the skills of our armed forces personnel and their value in civilian life. The Army’s life skills policy and holistic approach to transition do just that. Nevertheless, the number of veterans claiming universal credit has risen by 50% in the last year and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers tells me that over half its welfare cases are about employment and finance issues. In these difficult circumstances, why have the Government chosen to halve the number of armed forces employment champions in jobcentres?

[Johnny Mercer]

On armed forces employment champions in jobcentres, we have gone away from that being a part-time role to having full-time Department for Work and Pensions armed forces champions who cover different areas. They are proving hugely successful in getting people into work. I was concerned about the reports on universal credit and I explored that this week. There is now a different method of accounting and I have asked for more detail on that. The truth is that veteran employment is higher than it has ever been before, but I share those concerns and I will continue to explore the data.