THE council has been acknowledged with a gold level ‘Employer Recognition’ award by the Ministry of Defence for its commitment to supporting the armed forces community.

Wigan Borough Council is the only council in the region to be given the gold level award this year.

The recognition is thanks to the local authority’s commitment to supporting veterans, serving personnel and their families in addition to supporting the services delivered in the borough Armed Forces HQ.

Leader of the council, Cllr David Molyneux said: “Ensuring our armed forces community is not disadvantaged compared to other citizens is extremely important to us.

“We understand that veterans, serving and ex-serving personnel, reservists and their families are a distinct group of people and may have specialised needs.

“We’re committed to helping them access the correct support and putting them in touch with different services, charities and groups – mainly through our dedicated key workers and the Wigan Borough Armed Forces HQ.”

The MOD’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme encourages all employers to support defence services and inspire others to do the same.

The achievement follows the council being awarded the silver award in 2019 and the bronze in 2018.

Cllr Molyneux added: “In addition to being supportive ourselves, it is key that we inspire businesses working in the borough to acknowledge this too and to work with them so that they are able to provide employment and tailored opportunities to this specific community of people.