ASHTON and Failsworth MP Angela Rayner is inviting veterans across Oldham and Tameside to take part in a new survey to help build an action plan to ensure they are treated fairly when they leave the Armed Forces.

It comes as data reveals there are 5,807 working age veterans in Oldham and Tameside.

The unemployment rate for veterans is seven per cent - almost double level for the general population at 4.8 per cent.

Labour’s Local Veterans Survey will see MPs and councillors work with veterans, Armed Forces charities and support groups to discover what support veterans and their families need.

The consultation has been launched after Parliament debated the Armed Forces Bill.

Labour accused the Government of cutting help for veterans and failing on their pledge to put the Armed Forces Covenant - a charter designed to ensure Armed Forces and their families are treated fairly - fully into law.

Ms Rayner said: “As a nation we have a responsibility to all of our veterans, that is why Labour is campaigning to put the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law.

"We will speak to veterans across the country about their experiences, and how government can work for them.

“This survey is about listening to and working with our veterans and charities to build a comprehensive plan for veterans to improve support and stop people falling through the gaps.

“We want to make sure that every veteran can move back into civilian life with secure, well paid work, safe affordable housing, exceptional healthcare and mental health support and life-long security for them and their families.”

The survey can be completed at: labour.org.uk/veterans.