Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has provided support to help Armed Forces personnel who have been medically discharged because of injuries sustained in testing Ajax armoured vehicles find civilian employment.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to a smooth and successful transition from military to civilian life for all personnel, and there is a wide range of support available. Support may include help with registering with a doctor or a dentist, housing, budgeting and children's education. Employment support and job finding services are provided to all Regular Armed Forces Service leavers through the Career Transition Partnership (CTP). For those medically discharged, it includes CV development, interview preparation and vocational training courses to build on military qualifications or to retrain for a new career. Grants and travel costs are available to undertake resettlement activities. 83% of Service leavers who used the CTP in 2020-21 were employed within six months of leaving their service, higher than the UK employment rate of 75%.

The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) was introduced for personnel whose injury, ill health or death was caused by Service on or after on 6 April 2005. Awards under the AFCS could provide a tax free lump sum payment for pain and suffering, or a Guaranteed Income Payment which is a tax free, index linked monthly payment.

The Veterans Welfare Service provides free and confidential advice on a wide range of issues, working closely with local authorities, voluntary organisations and all areas of the Department for Work and Pensions. In addition, veterans can receive support from their Regimental and Corps Associations, ABF The Soldiers' Charity and charities that serve both the serving and the ex-Service community.