LONDON, November 2, 2020 – Lockheed Martin UK has reaffirmed its commitment to being  a forces friendly employer by re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant with an enhanced pledge.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. More than 5,500 organisations have signed the Covenant so far.

Lockheed Martin UK first signed the Covenant in 2014, and has updated its Covenant pledge to include additional leave for staff called up for military duty or training, and a commitment to working with the Career Transition Partnership, the official provider of Armed Forces resettlement.

The company actively recruits veterans of all ages and provides flexible support to staff with military commitments such as reservists, military spouses and partners, and adult cadet forces volunteers.

Peter Ruddock, CEO, Lockheed Martin UK, said: ‘As a former RAF senior commander myself, I am delighted to sign the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of Lockheed Martin UK. Lockheed Martin has a proud tradition of employing veterans – currently 15% of our workforce - and welcomes the unique skills and experiences veterans, reservists and cadets bring to our business.’

Lieutenant General James Swift, Chief of Defence People, said: ‘The Armed Forces Covenant is a public declaration of active support for those that serve, and I am delighted to be a signatory to Lockheed Martin UK’s new Covenant.

‘Companies signing the Covenant and joining the Employer Recognition Scheme recognise the value of supporting the Armed Forces, not just from a community perspective, but also because they see the valuable contribution of veterans, reserivists and cadets to their business.

‘On behalf of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence, I would like to thank Lockheed Martin UK for their partnership.’

Alice Mallen, Lockheed Martin Director of Human Resources for the UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa, who as personal experience as a military spouse, said: ‘Our armed forces community brings a valuable skillset and level of expertise that delivers strong benefits for Lockheed Martin. All too often veterans and those with military commitments face challenges or disadvantages in employment and the workplace. I believe all companies should consider being a forces friendly employer as part of their diversity and inclusion agenda.’

Lockheed Martin was recently awarded Silver status in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme. More information about Lockheed Martin UK’s work as a forces friendly employer can be found here.

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

About Lockheed Martin UK

The UK-based arm of Lockheed Martin has operated in the UK for more than 80 years. Lockheed Martin UK employs 1,800 people across more than 20 locations and supports 20,000 jobs in the company’s UK supply chain, spending £1.6bn in the UK a year. 

For additional information, visit our website: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-gb/index.html 

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Media Contact:

Liz Crawshaw,+44 (0) 7778 469658; liz.crawshaw@lmco.com