THE McGill’s bus group has received the Ministry of Defence’s highest employer award in recognition of its outstanding support for the armed forces community.
The UK’s leading independent bus operator, which is owned by Greenock businessmen Sandy and James Easdale, has been awarded Gold in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
The scheme recognises organisations demonstrating exceptional and sustained support for serving personnel, reservists, veterans, military families and Cadet Force adult volunteers.
The company is a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant and provides free travel on its services throughout the year for serving military personnel.
McGill’s also recognises military skills and qualifications during recruitment, works with the Career Transition Partnership to support service leavers into employment and employs veterans across its operations.
The company supports Armed Forces Day, Remembrance activities and the Poppy Appeal, as well as charities including Erskine and Poppyscotland.
Kirsty Marshall, group human resources manager at McGill’s, said: “It is a real honour for McGill’s Group to achieve this award. We are incredibly proud to be recognised for our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and to those who serve, have served and the families who support them.
“Members of the armed forces community bring exceptional skills, resilience, leadership and dedication to the workplace. Supporting them is not only the right thing to do — it strengthens our organisation and enriches the communities we serve.
“We are sincerely grateful to serving personnel, veterans, reservists, Cadet Force adult volunteers and their families. Their dedication and service inspire us, and we are privileged to play a part in supporting them.”
Kirsty continued: “While we are delighted to receive this recognition, we see it as a milestone rather than a destination. We will continue building an inclusive and supportive workplace, sharing best practice and encouraging other organisations to strengthen their support for the armed forces community.”
The Gold Award is given to employers which go beyond their Armed Forces Covenant commitments through forces-friendly employment policies, support for reservists and active advocacy on behalf of the wider armed forces community.
