Military spouses who are struggling to find jobs cost society anywhere from $710 million to $1.07 billion a year, according to a new study.
The study — commissioned by Blue Star Families, conducted by the Sorenson Impact Center at the Eccles School and funded by the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation — found that difficult employment situations are causing unemployment and underemployment for spouses of those who serve in the military. The cost of the impact includes lost income tax, unemployment benefits and government-provided healthcare benefits.
“The math is shocking, but it also shows the way forward,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO and founder of Blue Star Families. “If we work together to reverse the crippling employment trends facing military spouses, we will add money back to our economy. At the same time, we will improve the lives of military families and better the overall health of our all-volunteer armed forces.”
The study is spurring change. Starbucks, which has been a leader on veteran employment issues, says it will examine the situation and begin hiring more military spouses.
“Spouses are the backbone of military families and invaluably influence and contribute to the lives of veterans and active duty service members,” said John Kelly, senior vice president of global responsibility, community and public policy at Starbucks. “As the study clearly shows, ensuring they receive fruitful and rewarding opportunities to grow personally and professionally is critical to the success of not only themselves but the unique family structure that is a military or veteran family.”
To read the full study and its results, click here.