TA soldiers throw right royal bash for employers

Published on Thursday 10 July 2008 10:28

TERRITORIAL Army soldiers from Edinburgh will today take their civilian employers to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace to thank them for their support.

The party, which will be attended by The Earl of Wessex and The Princess Royal, is being held to celebrate the centenary of the TA.

Over 400 employers from the UK will attend, including Edinburgh Homeless Practice and the city's Scottish Prison Service.

Tim Corry, the director of Supporting Britain's Reservists and Employers, which arranged for the employers to attend, said: "A crucial factor in the TA's success over the last 100 years has been the support, encouragement and understanding of many UK employers.

"Employers attending today's Garden Party have supported their reservist employees in a variety of ways – from enabling them to work more flexibly so they can fulfil their training commitments, to supporting them while they were mobilised, keeping in contact with them via letter and e-mail or helping their family out while they are away.

"Reservist employees are a real asset, bringing valuable skills and experience to the workplace."

Reservist Neil Feltham, who works for Edinburgh Homeless Practice, said: "My employer has provided unstinting support throughout my time on the TA."