XPO, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable end-to-end logistics solutions across Europe, has been awarded the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award by the Armed Forces Covenant for the company’s exceptional work in supporting veterans throughout the business. The Covenant helps members of the UK Armed Forces community gain access to critical Government and commercial services and products, including healthcare, education, childcare and other areas.

Individuals with military backgrounds comprise a considerable part of the XPO Logistics team. More than 200 personnel in the UK are veterans, military spouses, cadet force adult volunteers (CFAVs), or reservists, working across the business in professions ranging from drivers to finance and accounting staff.

Employing veterans is only one aspect of the support XPO provides its Forces personnel. For example, XPO is ‘mobilisation positive’ and has supported all mobilisations since 2021. Reservists have pre-deployment meetings with line managers and return-to-work interviews with non-obligatory discussions about skills gained on deployment. The company also reaches out to local Unit Employer Support Officers (UESOs) to find out what other support it can offer them.

CFAVs also receive an additional ten days of leave (which can be unpaid where required), and military spouses receive three days of extra leave per year to support their partners' deployments and meet family needs.

Frederick Hopkins, Head of Engagement at the East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, said: “XPO has been a leading light in offering support to not just its military veteran colleagues, but more widely to military spouses, volunteers and reserves within the company. Its constant push towards excellence in this area is why it has won the coveted Gold Award, and we cannot think of a more worthy recipient.”

XPO has attended various events to help support Defence personnel with employment and a more comprehensive understanding of the demands placed on them in business. This improved knowledge of the challenges employees face balancing civilian and military roles has led the company to review and reevaluate its policies, including granting extra holiday allocation for CFAVs. XPO has also supported fundraising projects and supply logistics for cadet force operations.

Lynn Brown, vice president – human resources – UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics, said: “We are proud to support our Forces veterans and reservists, as well as their families, along with Cadet Force volunteers. This prestigious award acknowledges the hard work that XPO collectively puts into understanding the demands on our UK Armed Forces colleagues. Our Armed Forces Network, with around 200 members, communicates regularly, sharing Defence career successes across the company. We also have a director-level Armed Forces Champion in Chris Green, the main point of contact for members needing additional support. This appointment highlights how much Defence is a priority across XPO.”

XPO also highlights that the Defence Community welcomes applications in the company’s recruitment material. The Veterans’ Employment Support extends to a partnership with Veterans into Logistics and the Office for Veterans Affairs.

Armed Forces Day, Reserve Day and Remembrance are all acknowledged within XPO. On November 11 at 11:00, all employees observe one minute of silence to remember fallen military personnel.

Defence Community members are also offered specific military lanyards to proudly promote their military affiliation. XPO also supports veterans’ charities, including Veterans into Logistics.