WILTSHIRE Council staff, who balance their civilian life with a career in the military as members of the Reserve Forces, were encouraged to wear their uniform to work to celebrate National Reserves Day.

The uniformed staff met with Wiltshire Council leader Baroness Jane Scott of Bybrook at a special exhibition in the Atrium at County Hall on Wednesday (June 21).

“Wiltshire has strong links with the military and I enjoyed meeting some of our staff who balance being a reserve with their work commitments and hearing about their experiences," she said. “We offer support to our reservists and cadet instructors by offering extra leave each year to attend annual training camp as well as flexible working practices to help them achieve the right balance.”

Staff member Neil Ashely, who has worked at the council since the early 1990s, is also a Colour Sjt Instructor in the Trowbridge Detachment of the Wiltshire Army Cadet Force and welcomed the opportunity to celebrate the special day.

He said: “I’m pleased we’re marking Reserves Day in this way and I fully support it. I’ve worked at Wiltshire Council since 1991 and appreciate the support provided to both Reservists and Cadet Force Instructors and I’d encourage others to consider becoming volunteers.”

The Reserve Forces currently make up approximately one sixth of the Armed Forces personnel with reservists supporting operations worldwide.