Revealed: The top 50 Forces-Friendly Employers of 2025

Why the UK’s Top 50 Forces-Friendly employers should be on your radar!
This Armed Forces Week, we’re spotlighting employers that aren’t just ticking boxes; they’re actively transforming the civilian workplace for the military community.

Real support, not just statements

At Troopr, we’re proud to unveil this year’s list of the Top 50 GREAT British Employers of Veterans, a collection of organisations that are talking the talk when it comes to hiring, supporting, and celebrating the Armed Forces community. Sponsored by SaluteMyJob, this isn’t just a list; it’s a guidebook full of real-life examples and inspiration for both job seekers and employers.

Whether you’re a veteran navigating the transition to civilian life, a reservist juggling multiple commitments, or a military spouse looking for career stability, these companies have made serious commitments to support you, not just on Armed Forces Day, but all year round.

Fairer recruitment for veterans

Veterans bring a wealth of experience, but that doesn’t always show up in a civilian CV. The top employers in this year’s list are doing something about that.

Take Mears Group, they’ve implemented a Guaranteed Interview Scheme, flagging veterans during the hiring process to make sure no one falls through the cracks. Babcock’s award-winning Train to Fit programme goes even further, identifying high-potential veterans who may not meet every traditional job requirement but clearly demonstrate the values, mindset, and adaptability needed to thrive. With training, mentoring, and real on-the-job support, they’re proving that with the right backing, veterans can excel in any role.

Backing reservists and Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers with real flexibility

Being Forces-friendly means making it possible for people to continue serving. That’s why employers like Airbus, Centrica, and AtkinsRéalis now offer 10+ days of paid leave for reservist duties, alongside flexible working that makes juggling both careers realistic. Others, including MBDA and Vodafone, also recognise the contributions of Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, offering time off and tailored support to help balance their commitments.

Better workplace policies for military families

Military families face unique challenges, from sudden postings to long deployments. Leading companies are responding with policies that reflect those realities.

Northrop Grumman offers flexible leave around partner deployments, BAE Systems provides two days of paid leave for military family needs, and Centrica is actively reviewing its support for returning service families. These aren’t token gestures, they’re practical changes that help spouses and families stay in work and build sustainable careers.

Not just a job, a community

Transitioning out of the military can be isolating, but a strong internal network makes all the difference. At Leonardo, their Armed Forces Network supports over 220 members, including veterans, reservists, CFAVs, and spouses. This peer-led group isn’t just about camaraderie; it’s part of their Inclusion and Diversity strategy and ensures military voices are heard at every level.

Expleo is another standout. They track Armed Forces employee retention (which is higher than average), and their learning and development programmes are tailored to support veteran upskilling and progression. From onboarding to leadership development, support is built-in, not bolted on.

Engaging outside the business

The best employers don’t stop at internal support. Vodafone, for instance, contributes to 8–10 Transition Courses every year at Tedworth House, designed specifically for medically discharged personnel. These veteran-led workshops provide honest advice, job-hunting support, and mentoring, all from people who’ve lived it.

Meanwhile, SA Group runs bespoke webinars for service leavers through the Career Transition Partnership and regularly attends Bootnecks in2 Business events, helping Royal Marines veterans expand their networks and find fulfilling careers.

Meet the Top 50

These organisations have gone far beyond pledging support; they’ve embedded it across recruitment, policy, development, and culture. They’re not just meeting Armed Forces Covenant commitments, they’re raising the bar.

Discover the 2025’s Top 50 GREAT British Employers of Veterans below and discover what Forces-friendly support really looks like. You can also see the companies and their pledges on Troopr.

Joint 1st. Babcock

Joint 1st. BAE Systems

3rd. Serco

4th. Inzpire

5th. Centrica

6th. FDM Group

7th. Company X Consulting

8th. MBDA UK

9th. Microsoft

10th. Northrop Grumman UK

11th. D3A Defence

12th. Carbon60