Double service

Ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday 29 June, today, Wednesday 26 June is Reserves Day, a day when all UK reservists are encouraged to wear their Armed Forces uniforms to work.

Reservists give up their spare time to serve in the Reserve Forces, balancing their civilian life with a military career to ensure that should their country require them, they would be ready to serve as part of the military.

Thousands of reservists are currently supporting operations worldwide. However, the contribution they make to the UK military often goes unrecognised. As such, an annual Reserves Day was created to highlight and recognise the valuable contribution reservists make to our Armed Forces.

The Reserve Forces make up approximately one sixth of our Armed Forces personnel and as such are integral to protecting the nation’s security at home and overseas, particularly providing capability in specialist areas such as medical and cyber.

Oxford postman and RAF reservist Peter Dandy, who has been a senior aircraftsman with 606 Squadron based at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, was proud to wear his uniform to work last week with the full support of his delivery office manager, Alan West.

‘Peter asked if it was ok to come to work wearing his RAF uniform,’ said Alan. ‘I was more than happy to show our support for him as an office as part of Royal Mail’s continued commitment to reservists across the business.

‘I believe that since my introduction to Oxford Delivery Office eight weeks ago, it’s very important to support colleagues’ passions outside of work. Peter and I have forged a good working relationship in that time and supporting his dedication to the RAF only cements our joint commitment to work together.’

‘This is something that I have done for many years,’ said Peter. ‘I thank Alan and Royal Mail for helping me promote Reserves Day.’

Royal Mail reservists

Royal Mail actively supports employees who are reservists for the UK Armed Forces. We currently have around 200 military reservists – one of the largest groups in the country – who combine working for us with protecting their country at home and overseas.

The Royal Mail Group Armed Forces network supports reservists, ex-regulars and their spouses, recognising those who have served, continue to serve, and are part of the Forces community.

Click here to find out more about how our association with reservists stretches back into our 500-year history.