Leaders of UK business organisations visit troops in Afghanistan to show support for the Reserve Forces
14 April 2008
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), Federation of Small businesses (FSB) and the Institute of Directors (IoD) are today in Afghanistan, to show their support for the Reserve Forces and highlight the vital role they are playing as part of the UK's Armed Forces in the country.
The visit coincides with new YouGov research, released today by SaBRE which reveals a lack of awareness amongst some small businesses of the role of Reservists: nearly one in eight (12%) of those questioned still see the Territorial Army and other Reserve Forces as "just a hobby for people who enjoy outdoor pursuits"; almost one in ten (9%) still think Reservists are just for the defence of the UK. This is despite some 17,000 Reservists serving in Iraq and Afghanistan in recent years.
David Frost (Director General, BCC), John Wright (National Chairman, FSB) and Miles Templeman (Director General, IoD) are also hoping that their visit will highlight, particularly to small businesses, the importance of employers supporting staff who are in the Reserve Forces, raise awareness of the help and support which is available to employers of Reservists, and illustrate the skills Reservists can bring to their civilian workplace.
"Members of the Reserve Forces undergo rigorous training, gaining many new and highly valuable skills which can be easily transferred into the workplace. Meeting Reservists today and hearing about their roles really drives home this point." David Frost, Director General, BCC
"Visiting Afghanistan and seeing first hand the wide variety of roles Reservists have, really underlines how crucial they are to the Armed Forces' effort." John Wright, National Chairman, FSB
"Many Reservists I've met in Afghanistan have talked about how important it is to them to have the support of their employer. Most recognise that without this support, it would be difficult for them to be here today, serving on the frontline alongside the Regular Armed Forces." Miles Templeman, Director General, IoD
Tim Corry, Campaign Director, SaBRE said, "With over half of the UK's private sector working population employed by small businesses, their support for members of the Reserve Forces is extremely important. The research released today shows that there is still a lack of awareness amongst some small business of the importance of the Reserve Forces. The more information employers have about what Reservists do and about the benefits, rights and obligations associated with employing them, the more supportive employers tend to be. That's why we have been working with organisations, such as the BCC, FSB and IoD to ensure that we are providing the best possible advice and support to those employers."
According to the YouGov research, conducted amongst small and medium sized businesses, there is widespread recognition that Reservists bring valuable skills to their civilian workplace. These include the ability to be a good team player (67%), a willingness to take responsibility (50%), an ability to respond well to pressure and handle difficult situations (60%). Interestingly, when asked what attributes they think are hard to find in potential employees, 55% said it was difficult to find employees who respond well to pressure and handle difficult situations, 47% said finding employees who are willing to take responsibility and 31% good team players.
See other supportive employers who are backing Reservists.
Other related stories:
- Employers visit Afghanistan to see Reservists in action
- Telegraph - Small business leaders join front line in MoD's SaBRE campaign
- BBC - business groups back Reservists
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