Warwickshire County Council (WCC) is pleased to announce during Armed Forces Week that it is improving the support available to members of the Armed Forces community who are current or potential fu...
Warwickshire County Council (WCC) is pleased to announce during Armed Forces Week that it is improving the support available to members of the Armed Forces community who are current or potential future employees of the council. WCC wants to be a great place to work for all employees, including members of the Armed Forces community working within the Council or seeking employment.
WCC is determined to support the Armed Forces community in Warwickshire. In 2012, WCC signed the Armed Forces Covenant – a national pledge to serving personnel, veterans and their families to reduce or remove any disadvantages they may face in recognition of the value they contribute to our country and the sacrifices that they make.
WCC is delighted to announce that the following changes are now in place:
- Up to ten days’ paid leave per year for the annual camp or other training specific to their Reserve or Adult Cadet Instructor role; and
- Up to ten days’ unpaid leave in total within a three year period, and each successive three year period thereafter, for additional specialist training to enhance their role or for progression within the Reserve or Cadet Forces.
- The Council will give an interview under its Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) where the essential criteria for a post are met by external candidates who are:
- Serving Armed Forces personnel during the 12 weeks prior to their discharge date from the Armed Forces;
- Ex-Armed Forces personnel within three years of their discharge date; or
- Where the Armed Forces were their last long-term employer.
- The Council will offer two-four weeks’ unpaid work experience placements for those who are leaving the Armed Forces, and welcome interest from those who are Wounded, Injured, or Sick (WIS).
This increased support comes after it was estimated that 7,000 veterans in Warwickshire, who are of working age, are twice as likely to be unemployed compared to their civilian contemporaries (The Royal British Legion, A UK Household Survey of the ex-Service community, (2014), p.64). The Legion’s Household Survey has also reported that veterans who have served for fewer than three years are less likely to be in full time work compared to the average for all veterans. Female veterans are also significantly less likely to be in employment and there is a higher chance that they will be economically inactive in comparison to the statistics for the female population in general (Office for National Statistics (ONS) 2012 Skills and Employment Survey).
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council said:
“During Armed Forces Week and beyond, we are proud to be leading the way in the public sector in Warwickshire by being an Armed Forces-friendly employer. We want members of our Armed Forces to be a part of the team at the council as we recognise the huge breadth of transferable skills they acquire through their role in the Regulars or Reserves.”
“We hope that through the changes and support available, members of the Armed Forces can have the opportunity to make a real impact working at the council.”
Paul Freeman, a Sea Cadet Corp Instructor working as a Workshop Manager for WCC said:
“I have been with the Sea Cadets for over six years, supporting and delivering training with all of our Cadets aged between 10 to 18 years and mentoring new adult members of staff. In the past, I have used my annual leave to support camps and attend training courses. Where possible I use my experience as a Sea Cadet Instructor and as a former member of the Territorial Army Reserve of 32 years to assist in my role with the authority and vice versa.
“The new changes in place will make a difference in supporting me in my role in the Sea Cadets Corp.”
Katie Jane Brown, a Cadet Force Instructor who works at WCC as a Planned Works Delivery Technician said:
“I have worked with the Army Cadets for the last five years, supporting and delivering training camps, because I am passionate about helping younger generations. In the past, I have used nearly half of my annual leave to support these camps and attend training courses.
“The new changes in place will make a huge difference in supporting me in my role in the Army Cadets.”
For more information about support for the armed forces visit https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/armedforces
Image from left to right: Cllr Bob Stevens, Paul Freeman, Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Katie Jane Brown and Phil Deakin, Armed Forces Covenant Project Worker at WCC.
Please note; The photo above was taken before social distancing measures were put in place.