St Helens Council’s support for the Armed Forces families has been given a gold.

The council has picked up the Gold Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Employer Status for its work to support its staff who are or have family serving in the Armed Forces along with those who volunteer with cadets.

The top accolade comes on the back of the launch earlier this year of the Armed Forces and Reservist Employment Policy, which sets out the support on offer for employees who are reservists or work with the Cadet Forces. Among the support on offer is an extra 10 days paid leave a year and unlimited unpaid leave for any period of service with the Armed Forces.

St Helens Council also does all it can to support veterans who are applying for jobs with the council and offers a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that meet the essential job criteria.

Councillor Lynn Clarke, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Armed Forces Lead, said: “When we signed the Armed Forces Covenant we were serious about making a difference and offering strong support to our Armed Forces families across St Helens Borough. They give up so much for our country so it is only right that we do what we can to help them and that extends to anyone working for us who also has a role in protecting us all. We’re thrilled to have received this award and we will continue to listen and work with our staff or future employees to see what other improvements we can make to help them.”

The council will pick up its award later this year at a special service for the 100 organisations receiving the Gold status in 2019.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here