Armed forces veterans will get a guaranteed job interview at Richmond Council under a new scheme announced this week.

A veteran is anyone who has served, at any time and for any period, in the Armed Forces.

Many people leaving the armed forces find it difficult to transition to civilian life, especially finding secure and lasting employment.

The Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans means they will get a chance to demonstrate their strengths beyond the initial application stage.

Richmond Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Michael Butlin, said: “We are proud of our work supporting veterans and their families.

"This new scheme will help them get back into civilian life and will enable the council to benefit from the skills and life experience of men and women who have served their country with dignity and honour.”

The Council signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant in 2012 and since then has worked to make it easier for veterans to access help and advice, including support with accessing housing.

The Guaranteed Interview Scheme builds on this support and aims to:

• Help veterans overcome barriers to finding civilian employment

• Reduce the risk of health and welfare problems as a result of long-term unemployment

• Redress the balance for veterans’ re-employment prospects by giving them the chance to improve their transition back into civilian life

• Complement the re-employment support provided to veterans by the Ministry of Defence

• Help the council benefit from the transferable skills and qualities of veterans

Veterans will not get a guaranteed job – that will still go to the best candidate based on objective criteria in the role profile – but there is a guaranteed interview for any veteran whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

Visit Richmond online for more information.