Take on soldiers with asthma, hay fever and tattoos to solve recruitment crisis, MPS told

SOLDIERS who have visible tattoos, hay fever or a record of asthma should be taken on to help solve the recruitment crisis, MPS have been told.

The suggestions were made by Capita, the outsourcing giant in charge of recruitment for the Army, amid the staffing crisis engulfing the military.

Recent official government figures have shown that in the 12 months to March, intake for the Army dropped by nearly 15 per cent.

Appearing before the Commons defence select committee, Maria Mallet, the chief operating officer for Capita’s recruiting partnering project, explained the company was looking to employ candidates that would not normally meet the Army’s exacting standards.

MPS were told that Capita had so far succeeded in reducing the number of years candidates had to have been clear of asthma before they could join the Army. Having already halved the time from four to two years “clear” of asthma, they revealed they have since made the proposition that it should be reduced further to just one year.

Referring to a “deferred” period of hay fever, Ms Mallet said Capita has suggested to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) that the period of a candidate having suffered with hay fever should also be reduced. “We are saying to shorten that period like they have with asthma,” she said, adding that Capita “haven’t had an OK yet” from the MOD.

Richard Drax, a senior Tory MP, told the committee that he was glad common sense had prevailed regarding the allergy, as he suggested Sir David Stirling, who founded the SAS in 1941, would not have let such inconveniences get in the way of good soldiering.

“On hay fever, I’m so glad to hear what you’ve said, common sense at last,” Mr Drax said. “I cannot believe, for example, that some of David Stirling’s men did not have hay fever, but they did pretty well. I think this whole thing has got to be sorted out.”

Similarly, Capita has recruited candidates with the skin condition dermatitis, as long as it is “mild”. Since this exception was granted, 13 candidates have been accepted by the Army.

And while tattoos visible on hands and above the collar have previously been forbidden, Capita has taken candidates through the recruitment process with the knowledge that they may have to remove the tattoos if successful.

For those who cannot afford to pay for such procedures, a “hardship fund” has been made available to provide financial assistance.

In 2012, Capita was awarded a 10-year contract by the MOD to work on its recruitment. In 2020, it was extended by a further two years.