Pall-Ex has become the latest logistics business to sign the Armed Forces Covenant in a move aimed at both helping veterans and tackling the industry's skills shortage.

The Armed Forces Covenant promises fair treatment to those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, helping them to gain access to support and services, including new careers.

The pallet network will provide jobs and training to service leavers at its hub in Coalville, Leicestershire.

Pall-Ex has also given its backing to military mental health charity Combat Stress and is planning a number of fundraising events through the year.

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Kevin Buchanan, Pall-Ex group managing director, said: “We have a wide range of opportunities for the right people and can provide the training and qualifications they need to establish a new career in the logistics industry.

“Many veterans hold a Class 1 driver’s licence - a requirement for driving an HGV - which is a great asset to the logistics industry and could help to tackle on-going driver shortages. We also have opportunities in transport, accounts, sales, IT and customer service.

Ex-serviceman turned Pall-Ex maintenance manager, John Bebbington, added: “All ex-military personnel have transferrable skills, such as teamwork, attention to detail and problem solving, and these are valuable to the logistics industry.

“The skills I learned during my military career enabled me to fix tanks and armoured vehicles, but I now use the same skills and knowledge in my role as maintenance manager at Pall-Ex.”

Pall-Ex is the second pallet network to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, following in the footsteps of Fortec which became a signatory in May this year.

Other logistics firms backing the Covenant include Gerrard's of Swinton and Maritime Transport.

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