Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what strategies and programmes his Department has put in place to support people in Oldham wishing to serve in the armed forces following the closure of the local armed forces recruitment office.

The Army provides excellent employment opportunities not just for the people of Oldham, but across the UK. As Britain's biggest provider of apprenticeships the Army offers chances not just for a job, but for a career and ongoing training supporting Her Majesty's Government's social mobility agenda too.

Since 2012 Army recruitment has been delivered in partnership with Capita, under the Recruiting Partnering Project. This has focussed on modern and convenient recruiting processes, including online tools and facilities. Applications to join the Army are initiated through the Army website and candidates receive extensive advice and support throughout the application process from recruiting advisors based at the Army National Recruiting Centre, Upavon. Similar processes and support are available to applicants for the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Face-to-face support and advice is available at the nearby Armed Forces Careers Office in Manchester.