Labor flags $121m veteran jobs policy

Federal Labor has promised a $121 million package towards helping veterans find employment when they leave the defence force, if it wins the next election.

It's estimated 30 per cent of veterans are unemployed.

Labor has flagged it wants to establish a special veterans employment service which would provide veterans support for up to five years.

Eligible businesses could also receive a training grant of up to $5000 for taking on a veteran.

"This policy is not about charity for veterans," opposition veterans spokeswoman Amanda Rishworth said.

"Our veterans are highly skilled and have extensive experience but that experience and skills can be lost in translation to the civilian world."