Mercury EW are delighted to announce we have become one of only eleven organisations in the East Midlands to receive the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community.
Representing the highest badge of honour, Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards are awarded to those that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families.
This year’s awardees brings the total number of Gold holders across the UK to 493.
Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Leo Docherty said: “I would like to thank all the organisations who have proven their support for the Defence community during such unprecedented and challenging times.
“The vast range of those recognised this year demonstrates how employing the Armed Forces community makes a truly positive and beneficial impact for all employers, regardless of size, sector or location.”
Mercury’s Managing Director, Tim Stevens, commented: “We are delighted and extremely honoured to achieve ERS Gold Award status. We value the work of all members of the Armed Forces and recognise their commitment and the sacrifices that their families also make.
“As a small business, we are immensely proud that we recognise former Serving members, members of the Reserves and spouses as our employees. It is their skills, experience and continued professionalism that makes our business a success.”
Apart from Mercury, the organisations in the East Midlands who have won the prestigious award are:
- Derbyshire: HZL Specialist Solutions Limited, Shorterm Group, and University of Derby
- Leicestershire: Aggregate Industries
- Lincolnshire: Eagle Eye Innovations Ltd, Forces Cars Direct Ltd, Lincoln College and TMS Support Solutions Ltd
- Nottinghamshire: Ashfield District Council
- Rutland: Forces Solutions Limited
In addition, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust had their Gold Award re-validated after holding it for 5 years already.
Bruce Spencer, the Ministry of Defence’s Regional Employer Engagement Director for the East Midlands, said: “We are delighted that so many local companies have been recognised with this Gold Award. It has been a particularly difficult year and despite that, these organisations have gone above and beyond to ensure our Armed Forces community is supported. They should be very proud of this significant achievement.”
To win an award, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days leave for Reservists and have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, Reserves, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, as well as spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.
Organisations must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
More information about the Armed Forces Covenant and how to get involved is available here.
