easyJet has been awarded Bronze status under the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), celebrating the airline’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
To mark the announcement during Armed Forces Week, the Bedfordshire-based company hosted what is thought to be the highest ever ERS presentation – at 20,000 feet!
The ceremony took place on board a flight from London Luton to Jersey, flown by Captain David Morgan, easyJet chief operating officer and Honorary Air Commodore of 622 Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF).
Today, Wednesday 24th June, is Reserves Day, which celebrates the invaluable contributions to Defence made by reservists in particular. Air Cdre Morgan wore his reservist uniform for the award presentation, and across easyJet services on Reserves Day, all reservists in flight crews did the same.
Some passengers boarding at Luton and other hubs for the airline might have been surprised to see their pilots in RAuxAF uniform, but it was just one way easyJet chose to celebrate the reservists it employs and their vital duties.
Air Vice-Marshal Jo Lincoln MBE, Commandant General of the RAuxAF and Director Reserves RAF, presented the ERS Bronze award on board the flight captained by Air Cdre Morgan to former Royal Marines Commando Mark Frost, who is also easyJet’s cyber threat manager and accepted the certificate on the company’s behalf.
Sarah Thompson, defence relationship manager in the the RFCA’s own employer engagement team, witnessed the ceremony. Sarah was also in uniform as, in her spare time, she is Officer Commanding with Essex ACF‘s C Company.
The announcement of the award comes during Armed Forces Week (22nd to 28th June), which provides an opportunity to pay tribute to all Reserve Forces’ and Regulars’ hard work and dedication to defending our country and allies.
Air Cdre Morgan said after the flight: “We are honoured to be recognised with the BronzeEmployer Recognition Scheme award, which reflects easyJet’s ongoing commitment to supporting those colleagues who serve or have served in the Armed Forces.
“As an airline, we recognise the unique skills, experience and dedication that veterans and reservists bring to our organisation, and we are committed to ensuring they are supported to succeed.”
By first signing the Armed Forces Covenant and then looking to progress through the ERS, easyJet shows the company’s support for the Defence community. This commitment to being an Armed Forces friendly employer means promoting opportunities for reservists, veterans, Cadet Force adult volunteers and their families – and ensuring they are not disadvantaged in recruitment or employment.
Employers seeking to further their own commitment to the Defence community can sign the Armed Forces Covenant, or if they have already done so, work towards ERS Bronze, Silver and then Gold Awards. To find out more, get in touch with our employer engagement team today, or visit the dedicated Employer Engagement page on our website.
