BUSINESSES in Herefordshire have signed a voluntary pledge to support the armed forces community in the county.

Herefordshire Council and businesses in the area have committed to honour and support the Corporate Covenant.

The covenant will ensure employment support for veterans, reservists, service spouses and partners as well as support for cadet units, Armed Forces Day and discounts for the armed forces community.

Councillor Peter Sinclair-Knipe, chair of Herefordshire’s Civilian Military Task Group, said: “The Corporate Covenant is a voluntary pledge from local businesses and charitable organisations wishing to demonstrate support for the armed forces community in Herefordshire.

“The council is pleased to be a pivotal part of both the county’s Community and Corporate Covenants and will continue to ensure that military personnel and their families are supported in Herefordshire.

"We know that many businesses in the county are armed forces friendly and would encourage them to demonstrate their commitment by signing up to the Corporate Covenant.”

In its business dealings the council will aim to uphold the two key principles of the covenant; that no member of the armed forces community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen and in some circumstances special treatment may be appropriate, especially for the injured or bereaved.

It will run alongside the existing Community Covenant, which encourages the residents to support the armed forces community in their area.

To find out more and to sign up to the Corporate Covenant, visit: www.herefordshire.gov.uk/corporate-covenant.