The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) have launched a new ‘jobs passport’ to help hundreds of sick and disabled Armed Forces leavers start and stay in work. The new Adjustments Passports will support those leaving service with an injury, disability or health condition, move into employment more smoothly.
The passport provides a transferable record of any workplace adjustments the service leaver may need, such as changes to working hours or specialist equipment, making it easier for them to transition into work, progress and move between jobs. The DWP said that with this new document all of this can now be done without the need for reassessment, which can often be a barrier to disabled people and those with health conditions staying in work.
Service leavers can download a copy of the passport and guidance on the Careers Transition Partnership armed services exit process or GOV.UK here with an interactive digital version of the passport expected to be ready by the end of the year.
Commenting on the launch of the scheme, Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP, said: “We know that for people who require workplace adjustments, receiving the right support at the right time can be difficult, especially for service leavers starting a civilian job for the first time.
“I am thrilled that the Adjustments Passport will address this difficulty, giving service leavers the confidence that their needs will be met, and removing the need for multiple assessments. Sustained, rewarding employment boosts wellbeing, and I am proud that we will be supporting people who have served our country to transition back to civilian life and start, stay and succeed in work.”
Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison MP, said: “It’s our duty to support people whilst they transition into civilian life. The service leavers’ Adjustments Passport will help those that need workplace adjustments by simplifying the process and enabling potential employers to provide the right support.
“Ex-service personnel bring a wealth of skills and experience to the workplace which is why they are in demand. This Adjustments Passport is another step in realising their full potential at work.”
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Rt Hon. Johnny Mercer MP, added: “Stable, long-term employment is key to veterans’ success after they leave service. That is why this Government is introducing a new Adjustments Passport, which will remove unnecessary bureaucracy, making it easier for sick or disabled veterans to get back into work. It is just the latest example of how colleagues across government are making the UK the best place in the world to be a veteran.”
The Passport will benefit employers as well as service leavers, with big employers already recognising the potential of hiring from this group.
Tesco Group Chief Product Officer and Executive Sponsor of the Armed Forces Network, Ashwin Prasad, said: “We’re proud of our Gold Covenant Award status, which recognises our work to support veterans – thousands of whom we’re delighted to call Tesco colleagues.
“We are committed to working with the DWP to build upon our Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award and we’ll continue to support those leaving the Armed Forces as they re-enter civilian work life - offering them a number of adjustments to make the transition as smooth as possible.”
The Passport will provide clear, helpful advice on the various types of funding and support which may be available to support employers with recruitment and retention. It has been developed learning from Health Adjustments Passport piloted for Universities, and from closely working with Armed Services stakeholders - testing and shaping the document to suit their needs.
As all of the information about their workplace needs will be recorded on the passport, it removes the need for a service leaver to undergo an Access to Work assessment, helping the service leaver to receive in-work support more quickly.
The Adjustments Passport is available to all Armed Forces service leavers on a voluntary basis, with service leavers choosing to take up the offer if they feel it would benefit them.
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