‘We hope to become a career destination for veterans’: Kellogg UK commits to Armed Forces Covenant

12-Jul-2023 - Last updated on 11-Jul-2023 at 10:13 GMT

Kellogg's believes everyone should have a place at the table. Pic: GettyImages

Kellogg UK has pledged to uphold the voluntary Arms Forces Covenant, which decrees that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces should be treated with fairness and respect.

The global cereal and snacks giant actively supports the employment of veterans, recognising military skills and qualifications in its recruitment and selection process.

It has a strong K-Vets programme in the US, which supports the 490 ex-military personnel working at Kellogg North America through its Battle Buddies and Military Mentorship Programme. Its UK arm is also committed to incorporating top tier veteran talent into all levels of the organisation at its Manchester HQ through its K-Vets and Supporters network.

“We believe everyone should have a place at the table,” said Chris Silcock, Kellogg UK MD.

“By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, we hope to become a career destination for veterans.

“We will continue to actively support the employment of veterans, recognising military skills and qualifications in our recruitment and selection process.”

Shooting to become veteran employer of note

Official Signing - covenant — Chris Silcock, Commander Judith Barnes, Andrew Western MP and Colonel Darren Doherty.

Silcock was joined by Commander Judith Barnes of the Royal Navy Reserve, Air Employer Engagement Regional Officer and Colonel Darren Doherty and Andrew Western MP at Kellogg’s MediaCity HQ to official sign the pledge.

“I am delighted to witness a huge global company such as Kellogg’s - and one with roots firmly in the North West - publicly pledge their continued support to the Armed Forces community serving regular, reserves, veterans and their families by signing the Armed Forces Covenant,” said Colonel Darren Doherty, Commander of the Army North West Region.

“I look forward to supporting Kellogg’s in their next steps towards achieving award status as part of the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme.”

“I’m delighted that Kellogg’s has signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge,” added Western, Labour MP for Stretford and Urmston.

“Our Armed Forces community deserves to be treated with fairness, respect and compassion - not just when serving, but as they transition back into civilian life.

“Kellogg’s employs hundreds of people across its head office in MediaCity and its factory in Trafford Park, so I have no doubt the service people and veterans living within my constituency will benefit from this.”

Kellogg’s recently removed the requirement for job applicants to the company to have a degree as part of its drive to become a more inclusive employer.

Over the past year, the Pringles, Special K and Pop-Tarts maker has also donated 19,000 servings of food to charities across the UK dedicated to helping military personnel, veterans and their families. This includes residential settings, training centres, drop in and day centres.