Celebrating the armed forces covenant

The Prime Minister recognised the work of service personnel and employers at his annual armed forces reception last night.

The event, attended by regulars, reservists, veterans and employers celebrated a number of achievements across the armed forces covenant. The covenant seeks to recognise the debt we all owe our forces for the sacrifices they make every day.

At the reception the Prime Minister launched the new Employer Recognition Scheme which saw a number of organisations acknowledged for the outstanding support they have provided, particularly to the reserves.

A total of 10 organisations were recognised with a gold award. These organisations all employ reservists, have made specific pledges through the corporate covenant to support defence, and were selected from nominations received.

The national organisations recognised from the private sector included BAE, Hewlett Packard, Carillion, BT, Barclays, Systems Consultants Services Ltd and Amalgam Training Ltd.

From the public sector, NHS Scotland and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust were recognised as well as the Royal College of Nursing.

Defence Minister Anna Soubry said:

"Growing our reserve forces is not something that we can do alone. This is about working in partnership with employers, giving them the support they need and showing them that, in turn, their reservists can give a lot back too.

"I’m very proud to see so many employers being recognised for the backing and encouragement they are showing their reservists, and hope to see many more follow suit."

The event also saw the 200th company to sign up to the corporate covenant, committing to support the armed forces through their business, including reservists working for them.

Another covenant success celebrated at the event was the final local authority in Great Britain signing up to the community covenant, meaning that all local authorities are now committed to supporting the armed forces family in their communities.

The Prime Minister also announced the names of 8 projects that will share nearly £20 million of funding to improve accommodation for armed forces veterans.