A study highlights how hiring highly skilled UK Armed Forces veterans could help businesses save thousands in training costs while addressing key hiring market challenges.
According to research conducted by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) in the Ministry of Defence and the Forces Employment Charity (FEC), UK businesses can benefit from veterans’ unique skill sets, particularly in management roles. A significant 85% of UK businesses that have employed veterans believe that increasing veteran employment would help fill existing skills gaps, while 86% agree that veterans possess the necessary skills to excel in management positions.
Government Initiative to Connect Businesses with Veterans
To further support businesses in accessing this talent pool, the UK government has launched Op ASCEND, an initiative designed to connect businesses with skilled veterans and support their transition into civilian roles. Veterans’ Minister Alistair Carns unveiled this initiative in February 2025 as part of a broader government effort to raise awareness of veterans’ contributions to the workforce.
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Reducing Training Costs Through Veteran Recruitment
The study found that nearly half (43%) of UK businesses spend over £50,000 annually on employee training in areas such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Additionally, 40% of businesses allocate similar budgets to leadership and management training, with over a quarter (27%) spending in excess of £100,000 each year on developing management skills.
Veterans bring invaluable expertise in these areas, potentially reducing the need for costly upskilling. Among businesses that have hired veterans, 91% reported a positive impact on business performance, citing benefits such as:
- A stronger work ethic
- Enhanced problem-solving abilities
- Increased workforce discipline
However, despite these advantages, only 17% of businesses have actively recruited veterans, indicating a missed opportunity in talent acquisition.
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Ministerial Endorsement for Hiring Veterans
Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP, Minister of Veterans and People, emphasised the strategic advantage of hiring veterans:
“Hiring veterans shouldn’t just be seen as businesses doing a good thing, rather it’s a good thing to do for business. The UK Armed Forces represents a unique training ground for civilian roles, yet organisations are still overlooking what this powerful, untapped talent solution can bring.”
Carns also highlighted the transferable skills veterans bring to the workforce, including leadership, resilience, problem-solving, integrity, loyalty, and self-discipline.
The Growing Demand for Soft Skills in the Job Market
The study also found that soft skills—such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving—are among the most sought-after attributes in today’s hiring market. Recent LinkedIn research supports this, revealing that 45% of UK employers struggle to find candidates with the right soft skills.
Businesses recognise the value of these attributes, with 65% of employers stating they would be willing to offer up to 30% more than the advertised salary to candidates demonstrating strong soft skills.
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Industry Leaders Advocate for Veteran Hiring
Prominent business leaders support recruiting veterans, recognising their skills as a competitive advantage.
Alistair Halliday, CEO of the Forces Employment Charity and former Commodore in the Royal Navy, commented:
“Soft skills and leadership attributes can be some of the hardest to recruit for, as they are often a product of one’s lived experience. Veterans possess these skills naturally, and employers are consistently impressed by their ability to drive real impact in the civilian workplace.”
Cath Possamai, Talent Acquisition Director at Amazon – International Stores, shared Amazon’s commitment to hiring veterans:
“At Amazon, we hired 300 veterans in Europe in 2024, as part of a wider global commitment to hiring 100,000 veterans by 2025. This isn’t a tick-box exercise for us – we strongly believe in the value these individuals bring to our business.”
Veterans’ First-Hand Experience in Civilian Careers
Alban Niba Ambe, a British Army veteran and optimisation manager at Barclays, shared his experience of transitioning into civilian employment:
“Leaving the military was one of the scariest things I’ve done. Accessing support through the Forces Employment Charity was crucial in helping me build connections and find my role. Veterans often think they need to find an exact match to their military job, but adaptability is key. I use my military skills every day—stakeholder management, project management, high standards, and commitment to getting the job done.”
A Strategic Workforce Solution
As businesses grapple with skills shortages and rising training costs, veterans present a ready-made solution with proven expertise. Government initiatives like Op ASCEND aim to bridge the gap, ensuring businesses can access this valuable talent pool. With the right awareness and support, UK companies can leverage veteran skills to strengthen their workforce and enhance long-term business success.