LONDON, Jan. 22 (UPI). — The British government is soon to start a “rent a soldier” scheme to give idle troops something to do.

What it means is that anyone will be able to hire a soldier for a day, a week or even a month to do any of the following:

• Help out in disaster areas or during emergencies.

• Work in construction and demolition and other specialized fields.

• Drive special transport units.

British Defense Minister Denis Healey said the move is being made because many British troops are coming back to Britain following withdrawals from foreign areas.

Mr. Healey wants to stop potential boredom and also to help pay for the upkeep of the army.

A 24-page leaflet gives employers full details and points out the troops are not “cheap labor” and cannot be used if there is a union conflict.