The retailer and fresh food manufacturer has backed a corporate covenant, which sets out Morrisons commitment to supporting the employment of veterans and giving colleagues in the reserve forces time to fulfil training duties – and where necessary deployment.
Morrisons ceo David Potts said last week (October 16) : “We owe a tremendous debt to members of the armed forces because of the enormous contribution they make to our country both during and after their service. Signing the corporate covenant shows our commitment to the armed forces and the support we offer to veterans, reservists and their families.”
‘Employing veterans’
Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans, Mark Lancaster MP, said Morrisons’ backing underlined the contribution British armed forces made to society. “By employing veterans and supporting reserves, Morrisons are helping to ensure that anyone who serves their country receives a fair deal as a result of that service,” said Lancaster.
Meanwhile, Britain does not give enough support to its armed forces and lags behind the US treatment of veterans, a poll published in June revealed.
Lags behind the US
Seven out of 10 people believed the UK should do more to support those who have served their country, according to the poll conducted by the military charity Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA).
More than two-thirds (65%) of the 1,000 people polled said the range of benefits the US gives to its veterans – ranging from travel perks to business loans – showed veterans were more valued in America than here.
SSAFA chief executive David Murray said: “SSAFA works with 90,000 serving personnel, veterans, reservists and their families each year and I can assure you they are not looking for preferential treatment.
“They are asking to have the same opportunities as everybody else and that neither they, nor their families, are disadvantaged by their service.”