Amey Reserves will now get ten days' paid leave to train each year. This reinforces our commitment to recruiting and supporting members of the Army, Royal Naval, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. These extra days will help them to fulfil their commitments as Reservists, including annual training camps.
This announcement coincides with Reserves Day 2018, an annual event which encourages Reservists to wear their military uniforms to work. Reserves Day recognises and celebrates the important role Reservists play in supporting the UK’s defence capability, while making a significant contribution to the UK economy as employees and owners of British businesses.
Reservists work with us in all the usual roles, and train and serve in the Army in their spare time, usually in evenings, weekends and at an annual two-week long camp. We understand the benefits and value they bring to our team so want to make it as easy as possible for them to join us.
This support forms part of our commitment as signatories of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant; a promise to treat people who serve, or have served, fairly. We also work with ex-service recruitment specialists Career Transition Partnership, and we are proud to have been a Strategic Partner of the armed forces charity SSAFA.
Ian Deninson, Amey’s Group HR Director, commented: "Amey welcomes Reservists and those who have served in the military. We know they are among our most dedicated and hard-working employees. We value diversity and inclusion, and recognise the unique skills employees with military experience can bring to our business. Our Reservists deserve to be able to fulfil their annual training without hassle or detriment and we hope that by offering ten days’ paid leave we will make our current Reservists feel more supported and attract more people to join us who want to work,and serve their country at the same time.”
John Furie, Highways Supervisor and Reserve Sergeant in the Royal Logistic Corp said: “Of all my previous employers, Amey has given me the most active support as a member of the Armed Forces. I really feel that they have my back, and there is always someone willing to help me, whatever I’m going through. Increasing the military paid leave from five to ten days will allow me to have a full two weeks each year with the reserves and still have enough leave left for a family holiday.”
Emily Grogutt, Structures Examiner and Reservists said: "As a Reservist, getting ten days paid leave will enable me to balance the home budget more easily and keep cash flow more regular. Training can incur extra costs, like pet care and the lag in Army wages can disrupt household budgets. It’s good to have such great support from our employer so we can concentrate on training."