News

May 24th 2013

Awarding supportive local employers

Marstons, based in Mansfield, Imperial Tobacco based in Nottingham and Nottingham Trams Ltd, based in the city, have all demonstrated their support for Reservists who work for their organisations and received a certificate on Wednesday 22 May at a special employer support event held at Erewash Valley Golf Club in Derbyshire.

The certificate presentation took place after a golf day in which a number of local employers and Reservists spent time together on the course to learn more about what Reservists do and what the potential benefits to employers are.
The golf day and presentation were organised by East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA), Supporting Britain’s Reservists and Employers (SaBRE) and the Rotary Club of Long Eaton to bring local organisations and Reservists together to emphasize the importance of having good communication and understanding between both parties.
John Wilson, SaBRE Campaign Director, said: “It is important to recognise the amount of support that local employers give to Reservists by occasionally allowing them to take time out for training exercises and supporting them through possible mobilisation.
“Today (22 May) was a success and allowed each of the participating employers to gain a greater understanding about the potential benefits of employing Reservists such as gaining transferable skills and attributes including an increase in confidence and a greater ability to work as part of a team. SaBRE can provide support to employers every step of the way from helping them to write a Reservist HR policy to assisting them through the mobilisation process, hopefully everyone gained a better understanding of this during the day.”
Colin Prentice, Infrastructure Manager at Nottingham Trams Ltd, said: “This has been a fantastic day. I wanted to come along to represent Nottingham Trams Ltd as I was previously in the Army and most recently worked as a Quarter Master at 73 Engineer Regiment in Bilborough. It is key that employers learn more about employing Reservists so this event was a great way to do this.”
The City of Nottingham will be hosting this year’s Armed Forces Day national event.  Festivities on Saturday 29 June will include a spectacular tri-service parade and Drumhead Service in the Old Market Square. Celebrations will continue in the afternoon at the Victoria Embankment where there will be military displays.