UK defence and the armed forces

Sector introduction

HM Armed Forces employed around 284,000 service and civilian staff in the UK in 2010 and overseas, with 198,100 service personnel and 85,800 civilian staff [UK defence statistics, 2010]. About 13% are stationed overseas at present levels.

Armed forces recruitment expanded between 2007 and 2010 although cuts in the defence budget in 2010 look likely to reverse that trend. There is however continued demand for skilled personnel, particularly in skill shortage areas such as medical services, logistics and engineering. As a consequence, the sector has been a major graduate recruiter and individual services are still recruiting significant numbers of graduates [Prospects: armed forces overview].