A recent study by Deloitte Center for Government Insight highlights issues regarding the collection of reliable data relating to military spouse employment, Military Times reports.
One of the primary concerns is that various government agencies and nonprofit organizations do not have a consistent methodology for collecting employment data relating to this population.
One of the paper’s co-authors and specialist executive with Deloitte Consulting, Rosemary Williams, says that the Bureau of Labor Statistics has been tracking employment data relating to U.S. military veterans, which has had a positive effect on awareness and concrete legislative efforts. The same type of reporting, she says, should extend to military spouses.
“If you have BLS reporting this number that’s been consistent for almost 10 years, hovering around 26 percent unemployment rate for military spouses, you’ll see changes. You will see change based on data,” said Williams.
With regards to the rise of remote work opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic, the report suggested a few ways the DoD could help military spouses. This includes ensuring spouses have the technical resources to meet the requirements of remote work; developing robust DoD Military Spouse Employment Partnership program opportunities; and offering skill training to help military spouses “upskill” to obtain in-demand jobs.
Photo by U.S. Marine Corps/Lance Cpl. Jackeline M. Perez Rivera
