Mission Employable: Insights into the Employment Barriers faced by the Armed Forces Community. Episode 3 – Military Spouses

I recently sat down with Natalie Taylor, PSR Diversity Specialist, to explore the unique employment barriers faced by military spouses. As a military spouse herself, Natalie talked openly about frequent relocations, lack of stable support networks, and the need to prioritise family responsibilities. 

Despite these obstacles, Natalie shared that military spouses often bring adaptability, resilience, and many transferable skills to the workplace. Understanding their journey offers insight into an overlooked yet vital segment of the workforce.

The Impact of Frequent Relocations 

Military spouses relocate every 2.5 years on average, according to recent data published by Military Family Advisory Network. This constant upheaval limits career continuity and growth. As Natalie shares, frequent moves have led many spouses to settle for roles outside their preferred or aspirational fields just to maintain income, impacting long-term career progression.

Facing Stereotypes

Statistics reveal that 24% of military spouses are unemployed or underemployed according to data published by Deloitte with stereotyping being a major issue. Employers often assume military spouses won’t stay long which affects hiring decisions however Natalie emphasised the adaptability and commitment of military spouses, noting that many of them work diligently in roles from healthcare to administrative positions despite these misconceptions. While a military spouse may have a limited time frame for a given position, hiring a civilian offers no greater guarantee of long-term commitment.

Juggling Family Life

Natalie highlighted common issues faced by military spouses including limited childcare options and transportation challenges as many military households operate on a single income, adding to financial pressures and limiting access to resources that could enhance employability. If more career opportunities offered flexibility for military spouses—accommodating frequent relocations and family responsibilities—more spouses would be able to build lasting careers.

Advice for Military Spouses

Many organisations actively encourage applications from military spouses, fostering supportive environments, especially those committed to the Armed Forces Covenant. Partnerships with organisations like Recruit for Spouses —an independent, award-winning social enterprise dedicated to empowering military spouses through meaningful employment—are instrumental in this mission. 

Through the AMS Diversity & Inclusion Alliance, we’re proud to partner with Recruit for Spouses, enabling military spouses to access roles across a wide range of public sector organisations via the Public Sector Resourcing (PSR) framework. In addition to this, we’ve deployed a Guaranteed Interview Scheme which aims to remove the barriers to employment for veterans and military spouses. More information can be found on the candidate support page of our website.

Advice for Employers 

Natalie urges employers to recognise the unique strengths that military spouses bring to the workplace. Military spouses are often highly resilient, adaptable, and capable of managing complex responsibilities—a skill honed through balancing family life and frequent relocations. They are often quick learners, resourceful, and can bring a strong work ethic to any role. 

By offering flexibility, such as remote or hybrid work options, and understanding the potential need for relocation, employers can benefit from a motivated and loyal workforce that is eager to prove itself. Additionally, implementing policies that support career growth, even during shorter tenures, can help attract and retain military spouses. 

Recognising the value of these attributes not only enhances diversity but also enables companies to access a highly capable, yet often untapped, talent pool.

Click here to read my first article article on this topic, ‘Mission Employable: Insights into the Employment Barriers faced by the Armed Forces Community. Episode 1 – Military Veterans.’

Click here to read my second article article on this topic, ‘Mission Employable: Insights into the Employment Barriers faced by the Armed Forces Community. Episode 2 – Military Children.’
 

AMS is proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and holds Gold Status under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. This year, AMS were the first talent solutions business to re-sign the Armed Forces Covenant after 10 years.