Mars UK’s signing of the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) demonstrates their dedication to those who serve and have served in the UK’s armed forces. The signing ceremony was attended by Lt Col Tom Spencer-Smith, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards and Defence’s co-signatory of the Covenant, alongside representatives from Mars UK. Reservists and members of the organisation’s Armed Forces Network also witnessed the significant milestone for their company.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society in which they serve. Over 13,000 employers have signed the Covenant to date, recognising the value that military personnel bring to civilian workplaces.
Luke Bellinger, Director of Strategic Sourcing at Mars and the lead for Mars UK’s Military Associate Resource Group, said
Signing the Covenant marks an important step in reaffirming our commitment as a business to building a supportive and inclusive work environment. We recognise the unique skills, resilience, and leadership qualities the armed forces community brings to the civilian workforce. We take pride in being a workplace where both current and former service members, and their families, can find not only meaningful employment, but real opportunities for growth and development.
Organisations that sign the Covenant also commit to supporting reservist employees, by accommodating their training commitments and mobilisation requirements. The reserve forces play a crucial role in the UK’s defence capability, with approximately 30,000 trained reservists across the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force representing nearly 15% of the UK’s military strength.
The government encourages all organisations to recognise the value that military personnel bring to businesses and national security. The Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations (RFCAs) work with employers nationwide through initiatives to support military personnel in the workplace, including the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
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