Britain’s top supporters of the Armed Forces have been announced, with a record number of private and public organisations having won the top accolade.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Awards for 127 businesses, public sector bodies and charities who have shown outstanding support for the Armed Forces community.
The winners include nine Welsh employers: Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd; Cardiff University; Enbarr Enterprises Ltd; Forces Fitness; Hire A Hero; Monmouthshire County Council; North Wales Police Authority; Public Health Wales NHS Trust and Torfaen County Borough Council.
Now in its seventh year, the MoD’s ERS Gold Awards represent the highest badge of honour available to those that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families.
This year 47% of winners are either micro organisations or Small Medium Enterprises and 38% are public organisations. This year’s 127 award winners join a group of 226 winners from previous years. Wales now boasts an accumulative total of 25 Gold ERS winners.
To win an award organisations must demonstrate that they provide ten extra paid days leave for reservists and have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, reserves, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces. They also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and to engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.
Johnny Mercer, Minister for Defence People and Veterans said:
“The breadth and diversity of the winners this year shows how business support for the Armed Forces continues to grow no matter the sector, company size or location. I am grateful for the positive attitude and flexible policies these organisations have adapted towards the defence community, which is testament to the fantastic contribution our serving personnel, veterans and their families can make to any organisation.
I am delighted that so many companies are supporting our people and that, through this scheme, we can give them the public recognition they deserve.”
To find out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme and Armed Forces Covenant in Wales, visit https://www.wales-rfca.org/engagement/
