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Consultation launched: National Insurance Contributions holiday for employers that hire veterans

The Government is seeking views about a National Insurance Contributions (NICs) holiday for employers who hire former members of the UK regular Armed Forces. In particular they are encouraging contributions from employers of veterans, software providers and accountants about the scheme’s implementation. Securing successful employment is one of the fundamental elements which allow those who have served in the Armed Forces to make…

Armed Forces Week 2020

Armed Forces Week from 22nd – 27th June was a chance to celebrate our Armed Forces and the role they play in protecting the UK both at home and overseas. The week not only celebrated serving personnel, both regular and reserve, but also those who make up the wider Armed Forces community including veterans, military spouses, cadets and cadet force adult volunteers. Due…

WMG lecturer deployed as Army reservist to help Scotland fight Covid-19

Major Gary Bilsbarrow, a Senior Lecturer at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of Warwick, has been mobilised as an Army Reservist to Edinburgh to use his expertise to support the Scottish Government and NHS in their fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Gary lectures in Supply Chain and Logistics Management at WMG.  He is currently using his skills and experience as a logistician to…

Midlands Soldiers help battle Covid-19 in the capital

Soldiers from a Worcestershire-based Army Reserve Regiment are currently deployed in the heart of London, helping with the military response to Coronavirus. Based out of Horse Guards Parade and Wellington Barracks, the troops from 37 Signal Regiment, whose HQ is in Redditch, are playing a key role, ensuring that communications systems for the Army in London are maintained. The soldiers’ IT expertise provides…

Cadets stage first virtual exercise

Undoubtedly it has been a tough time for parents and their children as they struggle with ideas to keep themselves active, engaged and occupied over the weeks of lockdown across the UK. However, for one weekend that all changed with the first virtual exercise being held by Hereford and Worcester Army Cadet Force (HW ACF) across all of its 20 detachments. To keep…

Worcestershire hospitals give thanks to the military by signing the Armed Forces Covenant

On Armed Forces Day 2020 Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust formally thanked the military for their support during Covid-19 and made a national pledge to veterans, serving personnel and their families by signing the Armed Forces Covenant. In a ‘virtual’ ceremony, Trust Chief Executive Matthew Hopkins and Chairman Sir David Nicholson signed the declaration alongside Colonel Damian Griffin TD, Commanding Officer 202 Field…

Herefordshire cadets appointed to prestigious roles

Earlier in the year prior to the suspension of face-to-face activities for our cadet forces and lockdown measures being imposed, one of this year’s planned Lord Lieutenants’ Awards ceremonies took place in Herefordshire. Each year the Lord Lieutenant for each county appoints several cadets to become the Lord Lieutenants’ Cadets for that particular year.  These are drawn from the Sea Cadet Corps, Royal…