MID Sussex District Council has accepted the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze Award from the Ministry of Defence for the support it is showing to the armed forces community.

The Award was presented by Lieutenant Colonel Simon McMenemy at a meeting of Full Council.

It means Mid Sussex District Council pledges to support the armed forces, promote being armed forces-friendly and is open to employing reservists, armed forces veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses and partners.

Working in the armed forces often requires servicemen, servicewomen and their families to be away from home for extended periods of time.

It’s a different way of life to that of a civilian and Mid Sussex District Council has pledged that nobody will be at a disadvantage when accessing Mid Sussex District Council services as a result of serving in the Armed Forces.

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same.

The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community.

Veterans can find making the transition to civilian life extremely challenging, particularly in finding and securing lasting employment.

The council has introduced a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for veterans to help them fulfil their potential outside of the Armed Forces.

The scheme helps veterans to overcome barriers to finding civilian employment and the council benefits from the transferable skills.