Armed Forces leavers guaranteed job interviews in Rochdale’s new scheme

Ex armed forces men and women will be guaranteed a job interview at Rochdale Borough Council following new plans approved by the Employment Committee. 

The council has agreed proposals to offer interviews to any ex Armed Forces personnel looking for work, providing they meet the person specification and job description and have been out of the Armed Forces for a minimum of six months.

The move, one of the first of its kind in the UK, with Rochdale being the only local authority to approve such a scheme, is aimed at strengthening the council’s commitment to the Armed Forces.

Rochdale was one of the first councils in the country to sign the Armed Forces Community Covenant last November, aimed at encouraging local communities to support services that promote and encourage activities that help integrate Armed Forces personnel back into civilian life. It also encourages authorities to work more closely to support those in service and their families, ensuring there is no disadvantage associated with serving in the Armed Forces.

Council Leader Colin Lambert said the council is doing all it can to address the issues faced by troops and their families: “Any change can be difficult, leaving the forces is no exception and we understand that looking for new employment can be a particularly challenging time.

"We are pleased to be able to offer guaranteed interviews for our vacancies, a move I hope will make it easier for people to make the employment choices that are right for them.

"Ex Armed Forces personnel can face a natural disadvantage in the labour market, we want to re-dress the balance.

"We will also be asking our partners who have signed the covenant to do the same.”

This announcement follows news of around 5,000 redundancies across the Armed Forces by the Ministry of Defence.

Councillor Alan McCarthy, Lead Member for the Armed Forces, said many of these will want to relocate back to the North West: “It’s important that we are prepared to support them and I am pleased the council has approved this proposal to enable us to further strengthen the work already been done in Rochdale to help service personnel and their families.

"I am pleased Rochdale is continuing to put words into actions, with practical support measures such as this.The Armed Forces are an integral part of our borough.”

Harry Mills, Chairman of the Lancashire Veterans Association also welcomed the move and urged other organisations to do the same: “I hope more local companies will follow the council and introduce such a scheme. It is really important to recognise the significant contribution and sacrifice of our Armed Forces and their families.”

The scheme is expected to be implemented from August 2013 and will apply to council vacancies, although the authority is continuing to work with schools and other partners to encourage other local organisations to participate.

To be eligible, ex Armed Forces personnel must have been actively seeking employment for a minimum of six months, up to a maximum of eighteen months.

Current or ex Armed Forces personnel can register for help by visiting http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/armedforces and if they encounter difficulties when accessing services from the council or its partners they are being asked to email armedforces@rochdale.gov.uk