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<p>The mobile nature of Service life can create a particular difficulty for working
partners who often give up their own jobs to accompany Service personnel. The Partner
Employment Project (PEP), as part of the New Employment Model (NEM) programme, is
focused on addressing the barriers that hinder spousal employment.<br><br>The PEP
continues to support the delivery of two LIBOR-funded programmes which provide, respectively,
employability and business start-up workshops: the LifeWorks for Families programme
run by the Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) and the ‘Supporting the Unsung Hero’
Business Start-Up programme run by the University of Wolverhampton. These two-year
programmes started in October 2013 and I am pleased to say that over 200 spouses have
already benefited. Demand is such that this year both programmes are delivering extra
bespoke workshops in Germany and Cyprus. RBLI are also delivering a course in Belgium
to support serving personnel serving in NATO, as well as developing a remotely accessed
programme to enable them to reach more spouses flexibly. <br><br>Childcare provision
is another key issue. Although not formally part of the PEP, a childcare study has
been conducted by the MOD’s Director of Children and Young People which reviews what
childcare support Service personnel currently access, identifies best practice, and
considers how best to use the £20 million LIBOR funds allocated to the MOD to improve
childcare infrastructure. The findings of the study are currently being considered
and will be shared later in the autumn.</p>
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