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Saga has been recognised for its support of its Armed Forces employees, receiving the Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award for actively supporting the Armed Forces community in the workplace.

Launched in 2014 by the Prime Minister, the employer recognition scheme looks to reward the efforts of organisations who provide support to the wider principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. Now in its fifth consecutive year, the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme awards a badge of honour to those that employ and support those who serve, veterans, and their families.

Saga signed The Covenant in October 2013, vowing to treat fairly those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, including Reserves, Service leavers, Armed Forces veterans, the wounded, injured and sick, Cadets, military spouses or partners and their families.

The awards are presented to organisations who have demonstrated outstanding support for those who serve or have previously served in the Armed Forces. Silver award-holders demonstrate their support by employing staff from the defence community and actively communicating and projecting a positive image of defence to all employees through established company policies and procedures.

Achieving the honour recognises the major contribution Saga is making with initiatives such as employing veterans, supporting individuals transitioning out of the Armed Forces into new careers and providing flexibility for Reservists.

Saga also annually hosts “The Armed Forces Day BBQ,” raising awareness and funding for Armed Forces Charities and highlighting the work of serving personnel, veterans and their families.

Karen Caddick, Group HR Director at Saga said, “We are delighted to have received the Silver award, recognising Saga’s continued commitment in supporting those who have made an invaluable contribution to our nation’s defence and security.”

"Saga signed the Armed Forces Covenant with a pledge to support employment opportunities for veterans and members of the reserve forces, we will continue to employ armed forces personnel and offer paid leave for reservists to complete their annual training.  We ensure that the objectives of the Armed Forces Covenant are fully implemented and promoted throughout our organisation and that our Armed Forces employees are fully supported through our policies and procedures, whether serving personnel, reservists, veterans or military families.”

Commenting on the announcement of the 2018 Silver awards, Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans, the Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood MP said: “I am delighted to congratulate the recipients of this year’s Employer Recognition Scheme Silver awards. A Silver award recognises the fantastic efforts of employers throughout the UK who have both elevated their commitments under the Armed Forces Covenant and provided actual benefit to the Armed Forces Community."

"The winners should all be proud of the life-changing impact and fresh opportunities they are providing to our Reservists, veterans, wounded injured and sick and their families. We’ve seen a record number of winners this year, which shows that the Armed Forces family talent pool is also providing tangible business benefit.”

ENDS