On 6 March 2024, Lidl GB signed the Armed Forces Covenant
(AFC) at the iconic Horse Guards in London, home to HM The
King’s Mounted Bodyguard and the Household Cavalry. The AFC is a
pledge from signatories acknowledging and understanding that
those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their
families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the
communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives.
Since establishing itself in 1994, Lidl has experienced
continuous growth with more than 31,000 employees, 960 stores and
14 distribution centres in England, Scotland and Wales today. The
signing of the AFC is Lidl’s latest move toward recruiting and
maintaining more ex-military personnel within their business. The
covenant was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Chips Broughton MBE and
Joe Kourea, Director of Operations at Lidl.
By signing the AFC, Lidl pledged its support to the Defence
community, which is reflected in their internal policies. These
include:
- additional support for the employment of veterans and their
spouses or partners
- enhancement of Lidl’s reservist policy to better accommodate
the needs of serving reservists
- expansion of its ex-Armed Forces focus group, comprising
colleagues who have transitioned from military service, to gain
insight into how to better support their ex-military personnel
- strengthening external relationships, such as with the Career
Transition Partnership (CTP), by actively promoting vacancies on
the CTP website and participating in career events
Colonel Chips Broughton MBE added:
The Covenant is instrumental in providing the necessary
assistance and recognition to those who have served our country,
and I commend Lidl for signing it, highlighting its commitment to
supporting ex-military personnel and their families. It is
reassuring to see Lidl acknowledge the valuable skills and
qualities that those leaving the military possess, while aiding
with the transition back to civilian life by ensuring that they
have fulfilling and successful careers beyond their service.
Joe Kourea, Director of Operations at Lidl GB, said:
It was an honour to witness our signing ceremony at the esteemed
Horse Guards, steeped in military history. We recognise the
sacrifices made by those in the Armed Forces and truly believe
they should face no disadvantage when leaving the military. As a
retailer, we benefit immensely from the skills that colleagues
with military experience have developed from their time with the
forces. That’s why we’ve pledged our support through the
Covenant, and are enhancing our internal policies to welcome the
skills and experiences of ex-military personnel into Lidl.
If you would like to sign the AFC as well, get in touch with your
Regional Employer
Engagement Director who will direct you through the process.
