The Royal Navy is struggling to recruit young people as they are no longer willing to tolerate the isolation of underwater life.

It's part of a wider trend that has seen all the armed forces struggling to meet recruitment targets as the social media generation expect more from their employers.

The news has emerged as part of research by PA Consulting which has been trying to help the Royal Navy tackle its staff shortages.

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The Royal Navy is struggling to recruit young people as they are no longer willing to tolerate the isolation of underwater life. Pictured is the HMS Vanguard Royal Navy Submarine At Barrow in Furness

It's part of a wider trend that has seen all the armed forces struggling to meet recruitment targets s the social media generation expect more from their employers

Nick Chaffey, head of defence consulting, told The Sunday Telegraph that society has moved faster than we think over the last few decades.

'For example, the fact that if you are a submariner, you are locked in a tin can under the water and that's it for at least a considerable chunk of time.

'The fact that you are disconnected from the world wide web and Twitter is actually a significant barrier to recruiting young people.

Nick Chaffey, head of defence consulting, told The Sunday Telegraph that society has moved faster than we think over the last few decades

'You have got a disconnect between the needs of the role, and potentially the excitement of the role and the expectation and demands of the next generation of employee.'

The firm claims that young people now expect more from their employers, change jobs more often and look for a better work life balance.

Its led to a slowing in recruitment and swathes of soldiers, sailors and airmen leaving the ranks which has meant numbers have dipped below the government's downsizing target of 82,000 three years before the deadline.

This is despite multi-million pounds media campaigns to attract new recruits.

Submariners can expect to spend up to 90 days underwater at a time but tours can last nearly a yer, with six and a half months spent submerged.

In the Navy, 1,740 sailors quit early in the last 12 months, higher rate than in the Army or RAF.

Mr Chaffey said it is becoming increasingly difficult to attract bright young people when they are expected to make such a drastic change to their lifestyle.



