Labour has been accused of hypocrisy after ministers encouraged unemployed young people to consider careers in the Armed Forces, despite previously attacking Conservative proposals for a form of National Service.
The criticism follows comments from senior Labour figures suggesting military careers could provide “good jobs paying good wages” for young people struggling to find work amid rising youth unemployment.
According to reports in The Telegraph, ministers are increasingly pointing young benefit claimants towards military recruitment as the Government attempts to tackle growing concerns over economic inactivity among younger people.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall told MPs she had discussed recruitment opportunities with job centres and military officials and would continue working with the Ministry of Defence to “put this plan into action.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves also highlighted defence spending as a source of future employment, saying there were “opportunities for good jobs in our armed forces” as the Government increases military investment.
The move has reopened debate around the controversy over National Service after former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak proposed a voluntary civilian and military service scheme for 18-year-olds during the 2024 general election campaign.
At the time, Labour figures strongly criticised the proposal, with opponents describing it as outdated, unworkable and out of touch. The Conservatives argued the policy would build skills, discipline and civic responsibility.
Critics now say Labour’s position has shifted dramatically following worsening employment prospects for younger workers since they came to power.
Recent debate in Parliament has focused on concerns that rising employment costs and changes to labour regulations have contributed to a slowdown in hiring younger staff.
Opposition MPs argue that the Government has damaged entry-level employment opportunities through higher business costs and tighter labour market rules, leaving many young people with fewer options outside the public sector and military recruitment.
Figures discussed in Parliament suggest hundreds of thousands of people aged between 16 and 24 remain out of work, education or training, while separate reports have warned Britain risks creating a “lost generation” of economically inactive young adults.
Conservative critics say the contrast is politically damaging for Labour.
“When Rishi Sunak suggested a form of National Service, Labour lost their minds,” one former Tory MP told the Conservative Post. “Now Labour has wrecked the job market for young people, they are telling them to join the Army.”
Labour rejects claims that it is promoting military service as a substitute for wider economic reform, insisting the Armed Forces offer valuable careers, apprenticeships and training opportunities for young people.
The Ministry of Defence has faced long-running recruitment challenges in recent years, with all three services struggling to meet personnel targets amid increasing geopolitical tensions and rising defence commitments.
