Irwin Mitchell wins prestigious award for championing Britain's Armed Forces

Leading law firm Irwin Mitchell has been recognised for its commitment to Britain’s Armed Forces – becoming the largest business in the legal sector to receive such an award.

The company, which employs 3,000 people and has 17 offices across the UK, has won a Silver Award under the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme. The scheme recognises employers who employ and support reservists, veterans, the military and their families.

Lieutenant Colonel Julian Salusbury, left, commanding officer of Yorkshire Officer Training Regiment, joined Irwin Mitchell’s Group Chief Executive Andrew Tucker to mark the award.

“I am delighted to congratulate Irwin Mitchell on its success in winning this award. A Silver award recognises that the company has made a fantastic effort to provide fresh opportunities and tangible, best-practice support to reservists, veterans and the wider military family.

“The Armed Forces Community puts huge value on the commitment of employers who understand the business benefits that employing reservist or veteran can bring.”

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"I’m proud and delighted to receive this award on behalf of Irwin Mitchell. The Forces community is important to us on a number of levels. We are committed to the ethos of the Armed Forces Covenant, some of our regional offices are situated alongside major military hubs and we are part of those communities. In addition, the military is a good recruitment channel for us as we seek to constantly hire talent and we also act for many Ministry of Defence personnel.” Andrew Tucker - CEO

Now in its fifth year, the ERS Silver awards reward employers who employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families – typically by putting in place employment practices that support reservists to train and mobilise and veterans to transition to civilian life. The RFCA Yorkshire and The Humber run the scheme on behalf of the Ministry of Defence in the region.

Commenting on the announcement of the 2019 Employer Recognition Scheme Silver awards, Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace said:

“These awards recognise the outstanding support for our armed forces from employers across Britain and I would like to thank and congratulate each and every one.

“Regardless of size, location or sector, employing ex-forces personnel is good for business and this year we have doubled the number of awards in recognition of the fantastic support they give.”

Minister for Defence People and Veterans Johnny Mercer said:

“Veterans make a huge contribution to businesses across the country and it’s fantastic to see a record breaking number of organisations recognised for their support.

“We’re working closely with businesses to help them further understand the huge value that veterans, reservists and military spouses can bring to their organisation.”

• ERS Silver Award winners from across Yorkshire and The Humber will be presented with their awards at a special ceremony in Bradford attended by all four Lord Lieutenants of the region on Thursday, October 17.