TAILORED one-to-one support is available to veterans seeking to return to employment, including training programmes, interview preparation and CV tips, the Social Security Minister has said.
Deputy Lyndsay Feltham said “dedicated support” is provided to veterans returning to Jersey or those engaging with the Employment Social Security and Housing Department for the first time.
It follows a recent written States question by Deputy Catherine Curtis asking what support “if any” is available for Armed Forces veterans to help them to return to regular employment, and if there isn’t any, why this is the case.
Deputy Feltham said support is “primarily delivered by an officer who is ex-military” who can ensure veterans receive guidance from “someone who understands their background and transition challenges”.
Initial support focuses on helping individuals “navigate administration” and “providing advice on housing and employment qualification requirements”, the minister added. In some cases, this could include help with filling out application forms and gathering documents.
However, over time, the remit has expanded to “include veterans who have lived in Jersey for several years” whose “changing circumstances mean they now need financial, employment or related support”, according to Deputy Feltham.
In partnership, the Back to Work team offer tailored “one-to-one employment support” that recognises “the valuable skills veterans bring” as well as “the unique challenges they may encounter when transitioning into civilian employment”, she said.
It includes, she outlined, a “comprehensive training programme” that “supports veterans at every stage”, from help with “preparing or updating CVs” to “interview preparation and confidence-building workshops”.
This support is “holistic” to “ensure veterans receive the appropriate specialist guidance as needed”, she added, with assistance often involving “directing individuals to the most appropriate teams, web links and relevant departmental contacts”.
The dedicated officer continues to act as a point of contact for those who have used the service, “providing ongoing guidance and directing people to the right government services”, she continued, adding: “For those who have been off work because of illness, the WorkWell service offers personalised liaison with their employer to help navigate a smooth and sustained return to work.”
In a final note, she said: “Through this blend of guidance, practical support and specialist signposting, the service ensures that armed forces veterans are supported not only in securing employment but also in overcoming any wider barriers they may face.”
