Cumbrian businesses are urging local employers to take part in a scheme that offers tax cuts for firms that employ military veterans.
In April, the Government introduced a National Insurance contribution holiday for up to 12 months for employers hiring ex-military personnel in their first year of employment post-service.
Nick Kennon, operations director for solicitors Wragg Mark-Bell, in Carlisle, says the law firm supports the new measure, which will help employers save money at the same time as supporting veterans and their families.
“It’s not always easy leaving the forces and businesses can play an important part in supporting people as they return to civilian life,” said Nick, who has been an army reservist for 20 years and commands the 4th Battalion of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.
“Members of the armed forces serve society in so many different ways and this is a great incentive to give them and their families a bit of help in return as they leave the service. It is just one more advantage to taking on former military personnel who can bring a wealth of experience and skills to your workforce.”
Today is Armed Forces Day and events will be held across the country to show support for the nation’s military.
Wragg Mark-Bell is one of around 30 organisations in Cumbria to sign the Government’s Armed Forces Covenant, meaning it will offer support and benefits to members of the armed forces, veterans, and their families who are staff or clients.
Others include Oxley Group, in Ulverston, which makes LED lighting and componentry for the aerospace and defence industry and currently employs five former services staff.
“As an organisation we work almost exclusively in the defence arena and so it seemed like absolutely the right thing to do to be signed up to the covenant,” said marketing manager Jayne Moorby.
“I would say in terms of softer skills they can definitely bring commitment and teamwork and resilience. Quite often people who we employ here have had experience of working with our products in the field. That’s very useful to us in terms of developing new technology and understanding how our products and systems can be applied in the real world.”
AW Jenkinson Transport, in Penrith, is another firm to have signed the covenant and employs former Royal Marine John Forbes.
John, who left the Marines in 1999, now works as a trainer for drivers, many of whom are ex-military themselves.
“The guys are usually very reliable,” he said.
“If you say to them ‘Be here at six o’clock in the morning’, they’ll be there for six in the morning and ready to go.
“If you train them correctly they will pick it up and do it. If you look after them that initial couple of weeks, just to get them on the right track, then they’ll go on and blossom.”
