Abstract: The 2016 Army Families Federation (AFF) How we make work 'work' Survey, which gathers evidence from Army spouses in employment, to understand further how people are able to maintain employment despite the challenges faced as an Army spouse. Families often tell AFF about the barriers they face when seeking employment, but AFF was keen to hear from the many spouses who are making work ‘work’ for them and their family. AFF conducted a survey in September 2016 to gain a greater understanding of Army spouses and partners’ reasons for working and the secret to their success. There were 657 responses from spouses/partners in employment. The majority of working spouses/partners who took our survey feel working is worthwhile – not just for financial reasons but also for a sense of identity and independence. However, they do face some significant challenges. Support from the soldier and access to appropriate childcare are key determining factors in ensuring the spouse/partner is not disadvantaged in upholding employment. Whilst flexible working is available to some soldiers, AFF urges the MOD and Army to promote the policy more widely and improve command sensitivity to the growing trend of fair division of childcare responsibilities in a modern family.
While most individuals achieve the transition to civilian life smoothly, some face significant challenges. Although numerous support services are available to those who need them, …