For the opportunities it offers the Armed Forces community, Loganair has become the first airline to receive recognition from the UK Government with a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award. The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, which honours employers for their beneficial contributions to the Armed Forces community, is the highest distinction.
The largest regional airline in the UK was one of nearly 200 companies to receive a Defence ERS Gold award today (Wednesday, July 12). The success of Loganair comes after the airline had received Bronze and Silver honours. Employers are encouraged to support the military and motivate others to do the same through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). For employer organisations that promise, show, or encourage support for the defence and the armed forces community and who also match their principles with the Armed Forces Covenant, it includes bronze, silver, and gold awards.
Loganair is a devoted supporter of the Armed Forces and presently employs more than 16 members of the community across the whole company as part of its Flying’s For All equality, diversity, and inclusion plan, which was introduced last year. Captain Aakash Sajid, a Private in the Army Reserve, is one of them. In November of last year, Captain Sajid travelled to Edinburgh Castle to receive Loganair’s Silver Defence ERS medal.
“We are honoured and thrilled to be the first UK airline to achieve a Gold Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Award following our previous Bronze and Silver accreditations,” said Lyndsay Kennedy, Head of Human Resources at Loganair. We make a lot of effort to be a diverse and inclusive employer because we think that flying is for everyone. Being honoured in this manner is immensely satisfying.
Dr. Andrew Murrison, the minister for veterans, military personnel, and service families, said: “I would like to thank all the groups that have been acknowledged in this year’s awards. I’m thrilled that so many organisations have received a gold award. Their ongoing assistance highlights the distinct advantages and skills that members of our armed forces can bring to the workplace.
There are currently 641 holders of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which is provided by Defence Relationship Management. Organisations that want to keep their Gold Award status must reapply every five years.
Organisations must have supporting HR policies in place for reservists, veterans, Cadet Force adult volunteers, and wives and partners of those serving in the armed forces in order to receive a Gold award from the Ministry of Defence. These policies must also give at least 10 additional paid days of leave for reservists.
By urging other organisations to ratify the Armed Forces Covenant and participate in the Employer Recognition Scheme, they must also promote the advantages of aiding those in the armed forces community.
Source- Travel daily