British ex-service personnel struggle to find work due to mental health stigma, according to new research.

The research conducted for Armed Forces charity, SSAFA, also revealed that mental health is still not being adequately understood by employers - with nearly half of UK recruiters surveyed (46 per cent) saying they would worry about hiring a service leaver in case they have mental health problems.

Despite the best efforts from British companies and individuals, including Prince William and Prince Harry, negative perceptions about mental health remain a significant barrier in the recruitment process, with service leavers being stigmatised.

To combat this, SSAFA is calling for more UK companies to challenge their perceptions about hiring service leavers, as their new research reveals concerning misconceptions over the benefits of hiring ex-servicemen or women.

SSAFA has launched a new campaign called Friendly to Forces. This initiative will encourage companies from all over the UK sign up and show their support and willingness to hire Forces leavers. Mentees from SSAFA's own mentoring programme will be directed to apply for roles at SSAFA's Friendly to Forces employers.

Despite the countless skills that come with hiring a veteran, less than half (48 per cent) of UK workers said they would feel comfortable working alongside a service leaver. More male workers (50 per cent) said they would feel comfortable working alongside a service leaver than female workers (45 per cent). More than one in 10 (13%) workers aged 16-24 associate aggression with service leavers.

More male recruiters (35%) would feel reluctant to hire a Forces leaver than their female counterparts (28%).

On the other side of opinion, 43 per cent say they would feel proud to work alongside a service leaver. In fact, workers cited being a team player (57 per cent), driven (43 per cent), a problem solver (42 per cent), resilient (41 per cent), quick thinking (40 per cent) as qualities they associate with service leavers.

Amanda Fisher, managing director of Facilities Management Defence and Justice at Amey, which also provides environmental and waste services to Gloucester City Council, said: "We've been recruiting Forces leavers for over 15 years and will always continue to value the dedication and enthusiasm that comes with this background.

"They bring many qualities to our business including a 'can do' attitude and transferable skills that make for a successful team dynamic."

James Grant, Head of Corporate Fundraising and Events at SSAFA, said: "One of the many selling points of joining the Armed Forces is learning skills that can be easily transferred into civilian life. Sadly, some businesses still don't recognise these skills and service leavers are being discriminated against.

"We see that there's also a false perception over Armed Forces personnel suffering from mental health issues. Mental health is a common condition affecting one in four people every year - service leaver or not.

"A career in service to our country should always be met with pride and gratitude. That's why we have launched our Friendly to Forces campaign, to challenge all businesses to do better when hiring service leavers."

Sign your business up to support equal recruitment opportunities for UK's service leavers at ssafa.org.uk/friendly.