Military veterans are to be guaranteed interviews for civil service jobs, the government has announced.
The new initiative underlines their commitment to veterans and aims to boost employment prospects for those who have served in the British Armed Forces.
If personnel apply for a civil service post, they will be guaranteed the opportunity to be interviewed, but applicants will need to meet basic criteria during the selection stage.
Guaranteed interviews for veterans will start from spring this year with pilots in the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Defence, the Cabinet Office and the Home Office, including UK Border Force - all of which were keen to be part of the pilot as they believe veterans will bring the skills and experience they need.
Minister for the Cabinet Office, Oliver Dowden, who represents the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) in Cabinet said: "The end of military service should not mean an end to serving our great country.
"From teamwork to problem-solving, our veterans have incredible skills and experience that employers on civvy street, and indeed Whitehall, are crying out for.
"I want to see even more of our ex-servicemen and women join the public sector so we all benefit from their talents. Today we are delivering on another manifesto promise to veterans and guaranteeing interviews for civil service jobs."
Some ex-service members already work in the civil service - bringing their experience learnt from the armed forces to a 430,000-strong workforce.
Minister for Defence, People and Veterans, Johnny Mercer, said: "Those who’ve worked in the British Armed Forces are among the brightest and the best, and so it is right we draw upon this talent.
"Service personnel are agile, strategic and excellent team players - a guaranteed interview will shine a light on these skills and help boost job prospects."
The employment boost is part of a range of government pledges to help veterans, including cheaper train travel and better access to government services.
There will be no time limit for those leaving the service and when they can take up a guaranteed interview offer.
