WIREDGOV

Hundreds of councils across the country are pledging their support and encouragement to staff wanting to sign up as army reservists.

There are around 35,000 volunteer reservists in the UK – currently making up 14 per cent of the Navy, Air Force and Territorial Army in frontline roles and also as mechanics, cooks, drivers and other essential roles. They are paid for their time and will receive a pension for time served from 2015.

The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents more than 370 councils in England and Wales, said all local authorities can benefit from employees giving up their time to train and serve.

Around 225 councils are already signed up to offer 10 days paid leave each year for hopefuls to attend military training and adopt flexible working policies to assist them with their military commitments.

Sir Merrick Cockell, LGA Chairman, said:

"Councils have a proud history of standing shoulder to shoulder with our armed forces by supporting local servicemen and women and their families through employment schemes and priority housing.

"Being a reservist is a unique opportunity which is sure to be as rewarding as it is challenging. As large employers, councils have an important part to play in boosting numbers by encouraging staff and residents to join up.

"Supporting employees wanting to sign up as reservists is a great way of encouraging civic pride and to allow people to make a valuable contribution to the defence of the country.

"In return, councils also benefit enormously from the decision-making and leadership skills that reservists learn through the world class training they receive which can be transferred back to their day-to-day town hall roles."

Contact

Local Government Association Media Office
Telephone: 020 7664 3333