Leyland Trucks has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, joining more than 11,000 organisations across the UK that pledge to support veterans, service leavers, and their families as they move into civilian employment, writes Carol Millett.
This is the manufacturer’s latest move to champion the employment of veterans. As a participant in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, Leyland Trucks has already achieved Bronze award status and is now aiming to progress to Silver and Gold to further demonstrate its long-term commitment to ex-forces personnel.
The company’s new HR policy, developed alongside the Covenant, ensures that ex-military applicants progress automatically to the interview stage, removing barriers often faced by veterans whose career backgrounds may not follow typical paths.
The Covenant was signed by Leyland Trucks MD Peter Ahrens and Lieutenant Commander Tom Pinfold.
The official signing was attended by Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire Amanda Parker, who joined Leyland Trucks and MoD representatives in formalising the pledge.
The event saw guests tour the Leyland assembly plant, witnessing the production of the full DAF vehicle range and given the opportunity to drive one of Leyland Trucks’ new battery electric vehicles.
The facility, which employs more than 1,000 people, dates back to 1896 and counts in its history the production of the iconic Centurion Tank.
