Speaking alongside the Prime Minister, EEF Head of Employment Policy David Yeandle, paid tribute to those who combine a working life with serving alongside colleagues in the Regular Forces.
“When called upon, these men and women serve alongside the Regular Forces with great courage and dedication, and often at considerable personal sacrifice. We all admire their enormous commitment and are therefore determined to do what we can to support them as we recognise that, in return, employers can benefit hugely from these skills and this experience.”
David Yeandle added that it was also important to recognise that mobilisation can have a significant adverse impact upon employers, especially smaller ones and urged the Ministry of Defence and government to continue to support the work being done by SaBRE (1) in providing assistance to the employers of reservists.
“It is vital to ensure that there is a long term and sustainable partnership between employers and the Ministry of Defence which allows the Reserve Forces to flourish and to continue to play a full part alongside the Regular Forces. The employer community is keen to work constructively with the Ministry of Defence to develop this partnership in innovative ways that are mutually beneficial.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
SaBRE (Supporting Britain’s Reservists and Employers) is a Ministry of Defence marketing and communications campaign set up in October 2002 with the goal of gaining and maintaining the support of employers of Reservists.
David Yeandle has been a member of the National Advisery Board of the Reserves of the Armed Forces (NEAB) since January 2005.