16 Forces-Friendly Employers to Watch in 2025

The UK is witnessing an exciting shift in how organisations engage with the Armed Forces community. These forces-friendly employers are going above and beyond by not only offering jobs, but by crafting environments where veterans, reservists, and military families can truly thrive in civilian careers.

In this article, we highlight 16 Forces-Friendly Employers to Watch in 2025. These companies are trailblazing the way with pioneering training programmes, inclusive policies, and a long-term commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. Whether it’s offering flexible work arrangements, cohesive internal Armed Forces networks, or investing in professional development, these organisations are ones for Service leavers, military spouses and veteran jobseekers to keep an eye on this year.

But what exactly makes an employer forces-friendly? And why should you keep an eye on these top employers this year?

What Is Forces-Friendly Employment?

Forces-friendly employment goes beyond just recognising military service. It’s about creating workplaces that actively support and champion the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, military spouses, and families. This support can take many forms, such as:

• Veteran Hiring Initiatives: Tailored recruitment processes that recognise military qualifications and experience.
• Supportive Workplace Policies: Flexible work policies accommodating reservist duties, deployments or family commitments alongside mental health resources tailored to veterans.
• Mentorship and Support Networks: Dedicated Armed Forces networks to offer support, mentorship and camaraderie.
• Continuing Education Opportunities: Access to career development resources such as training and certifications.
• Community Engagement: Actively participate in military events, support Armed Forces Week, support Service charities, and contribute to initiatives supporting veterans and their families. 

16 Forces-Friendly Employers to Watch in 2025: Top Employers Making a Difference

The good news is that more employers are recognising the valuable skills service leavers and their families bring to the workforce. Over 12,500 organisations have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating their commitment to understanding and supporting the unique challenges faced by service members, veterans, and their families. Many are also part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (DERS), which acknowledges those going above and beyond in their support.

These employers understand that military service fosters leadership, adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving—skills that make veterans exceptional candidates for civilian roles. Forces-friendly organisations not only support individuals but harness the strengths of these dedicated employees to drive success.

However, not all organisations fully deliver on their commitments. That’s why we’ve highlighted 16 employers who are actively hiring from the Armed Forces community and are set to make a significant impact in 2025, offering exciting career opportunities and continued support for the community.

1. Babcock International

Babcock International Group continues to be a Forces-friendly employer leading the way in 2025. Known for its strong support of the Armed Forces community, Babcock has recently committed to creating over 2,500 new jobs, including skilled engineering roles, apprenticeships, and graduate opportunities at key sites like Rosyth and Devonport. This expansion is part of Babcock’s mission to help develop the next generation of defence and engineering talent, directly supporting the UK’s sovereign defence capabilities. In addition to this, Babcock has partnered with the Royal Navy and Plymouth City Council to attract an additional 7,500 new jobs to the area, providing further opportunities and boosting the local economy.

The company has integrated over 1,000 veterans since 2023, with a focus on offering veteran-friendly workplaces. As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and a Bronze Pledge Partner with Soldier On, Babcock continues to provide a welcoming environment for service leavers. Their recognition as ‘Best Employer’ at the 2024 British Ex Forces in Business Awards further underscores their dedication.

Explore opportunities at Babcock: https://www.troopr.co.uk/organisations/816

2. OCS Group

OCS Group has reaffirmed its position as a forces-friendly employer to watch in 2025. The company’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community is reflected in its pledge to create over 1,000 apprenticeship placements across the UK and Ireland in the next year, offering crucial career opportunities that encourage social mobility.

OCS is also collaborating with The Poppy Factory to support veterans with health conditions in securing sustainable employment. As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, OCS provides an inclusive work environment, offering roles in facilities management that support veterans’ transition into civilian life. Their initiatives not only focus on recruitment but also on veterans’ wellbeing and professional development.

Read more from CEO Rob Legge and explore current opportunities: https://www.troopr.co.uk/organisations/5898

3. Atkins Réalis 

Atkins Réalis is a global leader in design, engineering, and project management, with an established reputation for supporting veterans, reservists, and military spouses. As a Gold Award recipient from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and an early signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, Atkins continues to stand out in 2025. Their Partnering with the Armed Forces (PwAF) programme offers veterans a smooth transition through initiatives like outreach, career fairs, and mentoring.

The company provides roles in engineering, consulting, project management, and client relations with flexible working options and ongoing support for career development. Veterans, reservists, and military spouses are encouraged to explore roles where their leadership and technical skills are highly valued.

Find out more: https://www.troopr.co.uk/organisations/734

4. Tesco

Tesco, a long-standing supporter of the Armed Forces community, continues to be a standout forces-friendly employer in 2025. As the first retailer to sign the Armed Forces Covenant in 2014, Tesco has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to veterans, reservists, and military spouses through inclusive recruitment practices and flexible career opportunities. Veterans can join Tesco in a range of roles, from logistics to IT and management, benefiting from Tesco’s comprehensive transition support.

The company’s focus on inclusive policies ensures that service leavers and their families have the support they need to build fulfilling careers. Tesco’s roots in the Armed Forces community, with its founder Jack Cohen being a veteran, reinforces its commitment to veterans. Their commitment was recognised when they earned the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

Explore Tesco’s jobs: https://www.troopr.co.uk/organisations/8199

5. M&G Wealth

M&G Wealth is making waves in 2025 with its Financial Adviser Academy. This programme is targeting veterans and military spouses to help them acquire the qualifications needed to become trusted financial advisers, opening doors to a rewarding career in the financial services sector. With a strong focus on leadership and strategic thinking, M&G Wealth recognises the invaluable skills veterans bring to the table and offers comprehensive training to ensure success in the industry.

No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to learn and grow.

Find out more about M&G Wealth’s Financial Advisor Academy: https://www.troopr.co.uk/organisations/4921

6. Alstom

Alstom, a leader in the rail industry, is making strides in 2025 by supporting the Armed Forces community through initiatives like the “Armed Forces to Alstom” programme. This programme provides tailored career transition support, work experience, and role-specific interviews for veterans, reservists, and military spouses. In 2025, the company’s “Alstom in Motion 2025” strategy will create even more job opportunities, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge rail solutions. Alstom’s commitment to veterans is reinforced by their Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence, demonstrating their ongoing support for the Armed Forces community.

Find out more about the Armed Forces to Alstom programme: https://www.troopr.co.uk/organisations/500

7. NHS Scotland

NHS Scotland remains a top choice for veterans and military spouses seeking fulfilling careers in the public sector in Scotland. The organisation is particularly active in encouraging service leavers to explore both clinical and non-clinical roles. As part of its commitment to diversity and inclusion, NHS Scotland is offering various opportunities for those with military backgrounds to grow their careers within healthcare. Veterans and military spouses looking for job security, career progression, and the chance to make a real impact on public health in 2025 should keep an eye on NHS Scotland’s ongoing recruitment efforts.

Discover non-clinical roles at NHS Scotland and join their upcoming networking events, webinars, and insight days to learn how to navigate the recruitment process: https://www.troopr.co.uk/organisations/9741

8. SA Safety

SA Safety is a leading provider of safety solutions, specialising in confined space safety, rescue teams, and industrial support across high-risk sectors such as utilities, manufacturing, and construction. The company is dedicated to supporting the Armed Forces community by offering training and career opportunities tailored to veterans, reservists, and military spouses. With over 15% of their workforce from Armed Forces backgrounds, SA Safety understands the value of military experience and actively recruits individuals with those skills.

In 2025, veterans, reservists, and military spouse jobseekers should keep an eye on SA Safety as they continue to offer City & Guilds accredited courses that provide the qualifications needed for high-demand roles in safety-critical industries. SA Safety’s commitment to career development, flexibility, and ongoing support makes them an ideal employer for those seeking to transition to civilian careers.

Discover more: https://www.troopr.co.uk/organisations/9737

9. Grundon

Grundon Waste Management, a leading provider of sustainable waste management and environmental services across the UK, actively supports the Armed Forces community by recruiting veterans, reservists, and military spouses for roles ranging from drivers and technicians to recycling operatives and transport coordinators across the South of England. Their mission-driven approach, aligned with the Armed Forces’ commitment to service and sustainability, is backed by innovative waste collection, recycling, treatment, and disposal solutions with a strong focus on reducing environmental impact.

Recognising the transferable skills of military personnel—such as leadership, problem-solving, and dedication—Grundon offers inclusive recruitment practices, comprehensive training, and career development opportunities across diverse sectors like logistics, engineering, customer service, IT, and compliance. With a history of successfully integrating former military personnel, such as Paul Colling, who transitioned from nearly two decades of service to his role as Transport Trainer, Grundon has proven its dedication to being a Forces-friendly employer.

In 2025, the company continues to expand its recruitment efforts, providing fulfilling roles that leverage the unique strengths of the Armed Forces community.

Find out more: https://www.troopr.co.uk/organisations/11018

10. Kyndryl

Kyndryl is a new name in the forces-friendly organisation space, having recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant and committed to supporting the UK Armed Forces community. The company is injecting fresh energy into its military support initiatives, including the establishment of an internal Armed Forces network designed to foster a supportive environment for veterans, reservists, and military spouses within the company, providing a platform for career development, mentorship, and networking.

With a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, Kyndryl is actively working to create meaningful career opportunities for those transitioning from military service, in particular into their cyber security roles. Veterans and military families should keep an eye on Kyndryl in 2025, as the company expands its efforts to tap into the unique skills and experiences of the Armed Forces community, offering an inclusive and dynamic workplace to support their career growth.

Discover more about Kyndyl: https://www.troopr.co.uk/organisations/12989 

11. Amentem:  

Amentum UK is a standout forces-friendly employer, committed to creating meaningful opportunities for the Armed Forces community. With veterans comprising one-third of their global workforce, Amentum recognises the value of military skills and offers diverse roles in engineering, project management, logistics, and safety. In 2022, the company cemented its dedication by signing the Armed Forces Covenant and achieving the Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze Certificate in 2023, highlighting its efforts to recruit and support veterans and reservists.

Following its recent merger with Jacobs’ Critical Mission Solutions and Cyber and Intelligence businesses, Amentum has become a global leader in advanced engineering and technology, further enhancing its ability to support the Armed Forces community. For service leavers and reservists seeking rewarding careers, Amentum is undoubtedly one to watch in 2025.

Read more about Amentum's Armed Forces support: https://www.troopr.co.uk/organisations/12170

12. Awaking Giants

Awaking Giants is focused on empowering the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, and military spouses, by offering tailored support and creating opportunities for career growth and personal development. Proudly employing only veterans, Awaking Giants has built a team that deeply understands the unique challenges and strengths of those transitioning from military service. With a strong emphasis on upskilling, employment resources, and mental health support, they are committed to helping service leavers successfully navigate civilian life. 

As we move into 2025, veterans, reservists, and military spouse jobseekers should keep an eye on Awaking Giants for exciting new initiatives, job opportunities, and valuable networking events. Their veteran-led approach ensures that the support they provide is rooted in lived experience, making them a key resource for anyone aiming to thrive after their service. 

As they say, “We are devoted to being the most veteran-obsessed company on the planet, and are committed to providing opportunities to service leavers, veterans, military families, and cadets.”

Discover more: https://www.troopr.co.uk/organisations/780 

13. Landmarc Solutions

Landmarc is a Forces-friendly employer that offers a dynamic and rewarding opportunity for veterans, reservists, and military spouse jobseekers in 2025. As the exclusive Industry Partner of the Ministry of Defence on the UK Defence Training Estate (DTE), Landmarc plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the Armed Forces are prepared for frontline military operations. The company is responsible for maintaining and delivering safe, sustainable infrastructure, managing vital training areas and ranges, and overseeing multi-million-pound projects aimed at enhancing training assets.

By joining Landmarc, you will contribute to the mission of providing the best possible training experience for the Armed Forces. With a longstanding track record of delivering essential support services since 2003, Landmarc stands out as the only company solely dedicated to the UK DTE. Veterans, reservists, and military spouses will find a welcoming, supportive environment at Landmarc, with opportunities to make a significant impact while advancing their careers in an industry that directly supports national defence.

Discover more about Landmarc: https://www.troopr.co.uk/organisations/4643 

14. GXO Logistics

GXO Logistics, a global leader in supply chain solutions, continues to expand its services across the UK and Europe. In 2021, GXO Logistics announced its plans to merge with Wincanton, a deal that is still in progress. Once completed, this merger will further strengthen GXO’s capabilities in warehousing, transportation, and distribution, positioning the company as a major player in the logistics sector.

GXO is a Forces-friendly employer that actively recruits veterans, reservists, and military spouses, recognising the valuable transferable skills they bring to the industry. With a proven track record of offering career opportunities tailored to the Armed Forces community, GXO remains an employer to watch in 2025. Veterans and military spouses can expect to find a broad range of roles, career development opportunities, and ongoing support. GXO’s commitment to a diverse workforce and its focus on providing career paths in an ever-evolving sector make it a compelling choice for those transitioning to civilian careers.

Once the merger with Wincanton is finalised, the combined strength of the two major companies in warehousing and distribution will likely create even more exciting opportunities for Armed Forces jobseekers.

Read more about GXO Logistics: https://www.troopr.co.uk/organisations/3581 

15. Southeastern Trains

Southeastern is a Forces-friendly employer to watch in 2025, with an impressive track record of supporting the Armed Forces community. As a proud member of the Armed Forces Covenant, Southeastern is committed to offering valuable employment opportunities to veterans, service members, and their families.

In 2025, the company plans to recruit over 40 Train Movement Apprentices across its depots in London, Kent, and East Sussex, providing hands-on experience in train operations. Additionally, Southeastern is actively recruiting for roles such as Railway Enforcement Officers in key locations like Hastings and Orpington, ensuring veterans and service leavers can access vital positions within the company.

Southeastern’s dedication to inclusivity is further demonstrated by its participation in the Disability Confident Scheme, ensuring fair consideration for individuals with military backgrounds. The company fosters a workplace culture that values diverse perspectives, empowering employees from the Armed Forces community to thrive based on their skills and potential. With these initiatives and its continued support for veterans, Southeastern Trains is poised to be a standout Forces-friendly employer in 2025.

Read more: https://www.troopr.co.uk/organisations/7612 

16. Mitie

Mitie remains a Forces-friendly employer to watch in 2025, with a long-standing commitment to the Armed Forces community. The company is set to expand its efforts further with several exciting new projects that offer valuable career opportunities for veterans and their families.

One of the most significant projects on the horizon is Mitie’s £256 million contract to provide maintenance, repairs, and facilities management for the Ministry of Defence’s estate in Cyprus. This contract presents a wide range of career opportunities for veterans, particularly in engineering, project management, and facilities services.

Mitie’s global footprint is also expanding, with key projects in the Falkland Islands and Germany, including the refurbishment of the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel and support services for military bases. These overseas roles not only offer veterans the chance to work in unique and meaningful locations, but they also allow them to contribute to important initiatives that support the military community.

Furthermore, Mitie’s focus on the defence sector continues to grow, with new opportunities in engineering, security, and other key services across both domestic and international sites. The company’s continued investment in veteran-focused initiatives ensures that veterans and reservists can build long-term careers in an organisation that truly values their skills and experience. With a strong commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, Mitie stands out as a leading employer shaping the future of employment for veterans in 2025.

Read more: https://www.troopr.co.uk/organisations/5312 

What’s Next in Forces-Friendly Employment?

As we look ahead to 2025, several trends are shaping the forces-friendly employment landscape:

• Tech-Driven Recruitment: Virtual reality and online platforms are helping veterans translate their military experience into civilian job skills.
• Mental Health Focus: Employers are increasingly prioritising wellness programmes tailored to veterans’ needs.
• Social Value Initiatives: Beyond hiring, companies are creating programmes that positively impact the Armed Forces community as a whole.

Find more organisations committed to supporting veterans, reservists, and military families at Troopr's directory of Forces-friendly organisations