Defence Online

New initiatives introduced to improve life in service

Homeland April 5, 2019

New initiatives expand accommodation and working hour options to improve life in service for personnel.

New measures such as flexible working hours and extra accommodation choices are being introduced to improve life in service. Personnel can apply for flexible service, allowing them to work part-time, and will have the choice of renting offsite.

Another initiative will allow long-term couples, including same sex couples, to access Surplus Family Accommodation. For the first time, the private rent sector will also be an option.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “It’s hugely important that the armed forces keep pace with modern society, creating a more attractive option to live, work and bring up a family.”

“By making our policies fairer and more flexible, we will help retain our diverse and talented workforce and give them greater freedom as they carry out their service.”

Minister for Defence People and Veterans Tobias Ellwood said: “Personnel have told us that they want more flexible working arrangements and so I’m delighted these measures are now in place.”

“This new package of modern measures will help us retain personnel who want a more flexible approach to how they live, work and serve.”

From now on, accommodation will not be distributed based on rank but on family size. The new pilot scheme will also involve research to ensure future accommodation meets requirements for personnel.

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Defence Staff flexible working Gavin Williamson military personnel service accommodation Service Family Accommodation Tobias Ellwood

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