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 at Wiltshire Council on Thursday as part of a national event.

The reservists met Baroness Scott of Bybrook, OBE, leader of Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Military Civilian Integration Partnership Board members, to talk about their roles and experiences in the armed forces at a special event.

They were taking part in national Reserves Day where thousands of reservists wear their uniform to work.

Baroness Scott said: “Wiltshire has strong links with the military and having the opportunity to meet some of our staff who are also part of the armed forces was really valuable and it was great to hear more about their experiences.

“We endeavour to ensure those fulfilling this important role have the right support and we offer our reservists and cadet instructors extra leave each year to attend annual training camp as well as flexible working practices to help them achieve the right balance.”

Wiltshire Council staff member Neil Ashley is also a Colour Sgt Instructor in the Trowbridge Detachment of the Wiltshire Army Cadet Force. He has had links with the military for many years including 18 years in the Territorial Army Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

He said: “I think marking Reserves Day is a great idea and I fully support it. I’ve worked at Wiltshire Council for a number of years so people do know about my connections to the military.

"I was called up for the Second Gulf War initially and I was fully supported by the council throughout the process, even though I was eventually not deployed due to medical reasons.”

Staff Sergeant Ian Stott, of the Royal Signals Regiment, which has squadron bases in Bath, Bristol, Windsor and Cardiff was speaking to people visiting County Hall in Trowbridge about serving in the Reserve Forces.

He said: “We always need more people to join and having a Reserves Day ensures we keep this in the public eye.”

The reserve forces make up approximately one sixth of the armed forces personnel with reservists supporting operations worldwide.

The contribution they make to the armed forces often goes unrecognised and Reserves Day was created to highlight and recognise the contribution they make.

For more information visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk/reserves-day/ with more details on Wiltshire Council’s support for the military in the workplace at jobs.wiltshire.gov.uk/military