Bury Council awarded Armed Forces Gold Employer status

Bury Council’s commitment to serving current and former armed forces members, reservists and adult cadets has been nationally recognised.

The council has been awarded Employers Recognition Scheme Gold status by the Ministry of Defence.

The ERS awards are given to employers which pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

Councillor Richard Gold, cabinet member for finance and communities and the council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “We all know Bury has a long and proud military heritage, as the spiritual home of the Fusiliers. So it’s vital that we do all we can to support our serving and former armed forces, and their families, not to mention all our reservists.

“I would also urge Bury businesses, and the council’s partners, to take steps to support our veterans and armed forces.”

The council is a proud signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, and has a wide range of support available - from employment and skills opportunities to housing, health and wellbeing. See here for more details: Armed forces personnel.

It has just launched a Veterans and Cadets Support Fund to which groups can apply for funding: see Veterans and Cadets Support Fund - Bury Council

Many organisations across Bury, such as the CAB, do great work ensuring that veterans and families can access support: see Citizens advice - Benefits and concessions for the armed forces veterans and their families.

There is also a new exhibition at the Fusilier Museum which explores the connection of the regiment with Bury and its people. It runs until 29th July – details here: Fusilier museum - 150 years of the regiment in Bury.

ENDS

Press release issued: 11 July 2023.