New scheme aims to find jobs for ex-forces personnel

The Ex-Service Personnel and Reservists Employment Project will be developed by South Tyneside Council to promote the benefits of employing ex-military staff and reservists.

The scheme will involve the recruitment of a dedicated project worker to act as a link between ex servicemen and employers, existing organisations which support them, as well as the community and voluntary sector.

There are also plans to run a regular weekly drop-in service for people to get advice from a wide range of organisations on issues relating to employment, housing, training, finance as well as their overall health and wellbeing.

The project will be helped by £20,000 from the Ministry Of Defence’s Covenant Fund which was announced this week.

Coun Ed Malcolm, chairman of the South Tyneside Armed Forces Forum said: “We recognise is can be difficult to move into a mainstream career after leaving the Armed Forces.

“That is why we are dedicated to setting up this project to boost the support and services available to ex-Service personnel and reservists.

“We already have a proven track record of working with ex-servicemen having had an Armed Services Community Covenant in place since they were introduced in 2011.

Ross Lloyd, a former infantry solider with the Rifles, left the Armed Forces in February.

His prior work experience, together with the skills he developed while in the military, helped him to gain employment with the council as a trainee project manager.

He said: “The networking available for ex-service personnel in South Tyneside has helped me get my foot in the door.

“I am really enjoying my new role.

“I would like to thank South Tyneside Council for taking me on board.”

For more information call 0191 427 7000.