Employers recognised for their support for the Armed Forces

The scheme is designed to recognise and thank employers who are supporting Armed Forces personnel and their families.

According to a Ministry of Defence press release, examples of the support being provided by this year’s winners include offering employment opportunities to veterans, helping Reservist employees to complete their military training and ensuring that Service personnel and their families are treated fairly.

This year’s winners include large and small organisations from across the country, representing the public and private sectors, selected through a rigorous boarding process.

The awards go to:

AECOM, Atos UK Ltd, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Boeing Defence UK Ltd, Bureau Veritas, DJ Rees Decorating Services Limited, Doncaster Council, Dundee City Council, Hampshire County Council, HSBC, Kier Group, KPMG, Nationwide Building Society, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Pertemps, QinetiQ, RBS, Scottish Ambulance Service, Surrey County Council, TA Plastic Supplies Ltd, United Utilities and Waves Training Solutions Ltd.

Congratulating the winners, Mr Fallon said:

“Every year the level of support from companies across Britain for the Armed Forces continues to grow. This commitment is making a real difference to everyone who serves and their families – whether giving Reservists more time to train or supporting veterans or spouses, they embody what the Armed Forces Covenant is about.

To qualify for a Gold Award, employers must not only pledge their support but become advocates, encouraging others to do likewise.”

DJ Rees, a small decorating company based in Merthyr Tydfil, has worked with Reservists and the Reserves in Wales for a number of years.

Welcoming the award, Managing Director Mr David Rees said:

“We were tremendously happy just to be nominated for a Gold Award, let alone to actually win one. It’s such an achievement, and I’m so happy. This is our 25th year of trading and winning this award has to be one of my proudest moments in business.

As an employer I believe in supporting the Armed Forces. It’s important to be flexible and understanding with my staff who are committed to their service. It’s a priority to me and will continue to be so in the future.”

Another winner, Kier Group, was instrumental in the development of the pilot for the Armed Forces Employability Pathway (AFEP) that aims to get the long term unemployed into work.

Chief Executive Mr Haydn Mursell said:

“We are very proud to have been awarded ERS Gold, which really underlines our commitment to working with the Armed Forces. As a national business with close regional links, we’re well-placed to advocate the benefits of Reservists and service leavers – a technically skilled, motivated workforce – around the country, and are keen to maintain our support for Defence personnel and their families.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and by bringing this motivated, driven pool of talent into our business, we all benefit.”