Dundee-based Rembrand Timber Ltd. (www.rembrandtimber.com) has become the 1000th UK employer to publicly declare its support for members of the Reserve Forces on the SaBRE website. One of the HGV delivery drivers at their Perth branch, Staff Sergeant Stephen Ewart, is currently mobilised with 205 Field Hospital in Afghanistan.
Steve Mason, Company Secretary, told us:
We signed up because we wanted to make it clear that we support Reservists. We just think it’s the right thing to do.”
Bringing valuable skills to his civilian job
During his mobilisation, Stephen and his employer are keeping in touch by email so they’re fully aware of the intensity of the work he’s been doing. He is due to return in the next few weeks and they’re looking forward to having him back. They know that his military training and the new skills he’s acquired through his mobilisation will be of direct benefit to them. Over the 5 years he’s been with them they’ve seen the positive impact his Reservist experience has had on his confidence, communication, leadership and teamworking ability.
Forward planning
Steve is quick to praise Stephen for his openness and pride in his Reservist status. Because he has always given them ample warning of his training commitments they have always been able to plan ahead and work around them. He was also able to inform them well in advance of the possibility of his mobilisation, and kept them up to date throughout the process. They’d be more than happy to take on future Reservist employees with the same approach.
The value of support
Thanks to the invaluable support from his employer, Stephen is able to balance both his military and civilian career, and in return his employer will benefit from the transferable skills gained when he returns.
Speaking from Afghanistan, Stephen added:
The days are long out here, the work is challenging but fulfilling, and completely different to what I do back home. It's really good to know that my boss is backing me and will be there when I return. The support I get from Rembrand Timber is invaluable and makes it possible for me to balance my military and civilian careers. I hope that more companies will follow Rembrand's example and pledge their support for Reservists."
Sign up as a supportive employer or see who’s pledged their support.