Glasgow City Council has plan to get war veterans into work

By KATRINE BUSSEY
Published on 10/11/2012 02:58

A SCHEME to help jobless war veterans back into work has been unveiled by Scotland’s ­largest local authority.

Glasgow City Council is ­setting up a veterans employment programme that will pay subsidies to firms which take on unemployed former members of the Armed Forces.

The programme, which will cost £450,000 in its first year, is the first of its kind in the ­country, said council leader ­Gordon Matheson. It was announced at the State of the City Economy conference in Glasgow as “the right thing to do”.

Mr Matheson said: “If you have fought for your country, you should not have to fight for a job.”

The Glasgow Veterans Employment Programme is funded by the council, with the help of £50,000 from the Armed Forces Community Covenant. It also includes £100,000 for training and other support for jobless veterans.

The scheme was announced two days before Remembrance Sunday.

Mr Matheson said: “Our Armed Forces make immeasurable sacrifices on our behalf. They also have skills and ­experience that are marketable once they leave the forces, but it can be tough for veterans to readjust to civilian life.

“We are committed to ­helping Glasgow’s veterans into employment but rather than just offering warm words and encouragement, my council will offer a wage subsidy to ­employers who recognise and reward their skills.

“We’re the only local ­authority in the UK to provide this support to our veterans. We believe, passionately, that it is the right thing to do.”

The scheme is available to those leaving the military and veterans aged 25-49, a group who do not qualify for help from the council’s existing schemes that support people into employment.