Five Cumbrian businesses and organisations have been recognised for their work to support armed forces personnel.
Wragg Mark-Bell Solicitors, Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, Cumbria Education Trust, Nuclear Waste Services and James Fisher Subtech have been named in the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for demonstrating a forces-friendly approach to business and a commitment to veterans and reservists.
Wragg Mark-Bel, based in Carlisle, was awarded silver status. Nick Kennon, managing director, said: “We previously held a bronze award, but wanted to take our support to the next level.
“Our pledges under the Armed Forces Covenant include guaranteed interviews for spouses and partners of service people if they meet the job criteria, and flexible paid leave to help families of servicemen and women and reservists deal with deployments or training.
“As a reservist myself, I’m aware just how much businesses can benefit by employing former service personnel or reservists – they come with first-class training and many transferable skills such as teamwork, problem solving, leadership and a positive can-do approach.”
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation to those who serve or who have served, and their families. Businesses who sign the covenant agree to honour this promise and look for opportunities to encourage support for reserves, employment for veterans, service personnel and their families.
Gary Oakford, Regional Employer Engagement Director representing Defence Relationship Management at Northwest Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, said: “Organisations signing the Covenant and joining the Employer Recognition Scheme recognise the value of supporting the armed forces, not just from a commercial or community perspective, but also because they see the valuable contribution of veterans, reservists and cadets to their organisation.”
