Barratt Developments signs covenant to commit its support for the Armed Forces

Barratt Developments plc, the UK's largest housebuilder, has signed the Armed Forces Covenant to cement the firm's commitment to supporting the British Armed Forces.

The Covenant recognises the value that serving personnel, both regular and reserves, veterans and military families, contribute to the UK. By signing the Covenant Barratt Developments declares itself an Armed Forces friendly organisation.

The Covenant was signed by Major General Nick Cavanagh and David Thomas, chief executive of Barratt Developments plc.

Under the Covenant pledges, Barratt Developments commits to supporting employees who choose to become members of the Reserve forces through flexible work schedules and paid leave. Barratt Developments will also accommodate the training and deployment needs of its Reserve forces employees wherever possible.

Barratt Developments has just designed a dedicated programme targeted at the Armed Forces community. It is currently recruiting for ex Armed Forces personnel to join a new accelerated trainee site manager programme. The recruitment of the Armed Forces community onto the programme, which is fully accredited by the Construction Industry Training Board, is based on past experience that ex-servicemen and women have valuable transferable skills that help them to become excellent site managers.

David Thomas, chief executive of Barratt Developments, said: "The country has an obligation to recognise the tremendous role the British Armed Forces plays. By signing the Covenant today we are publicly making a commitment to recognise that role and to support the Armed Forces community where we can. We are proud to employ many ex Armed Forces personnel and are actively recruiting more because we know how much they can contribute to the company."

Major General Nick Cavanagh commented: "We are very grateful for Barratt Developments' positive and proactive measures to welcome Reservists and service leavers into the business. These steps will boost the career prospects of those who serve and have served our country and attract individuals with high levels of motivation, self-discipline, confidence, communication, teamwork and leadership skills into the building sector."