Governments Office for Veterans (OVA) and the MOD have announced £6 million in extra funding to support active personnel, veterans and military families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over 100 armed forces charities across the UK will benefit from the support package. A package of ‘enhanced support’ for ex-service personnel was announced earlier in the year as a government tries to market the UK ‘the best country to be a veteran.’
Minister for Defence People and Veterans Johnny Mercer said: “Today we mark and give thanks to our veterans.
“To show our appreciation we’re advancing veterans issues across government. I’m delighted as well to confirm extra funding for service charities to help them through the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “If it wasn’t for the brave servicemen and women, we would not have a United Kingdom to call our home.
“That’s why we must continue to do everything we can to support our veterans through these challenging times”
The government have also announced that consultation is to begin on a new scheme which will see employers pay no national insurance contributions for an ex-service personal for the first year of civilian employment.
The Office for Veterans believes this delivers on a manifesto promise to encourage businesses to hire former people leaving the armed services.
Click here to see the full list of charities.
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