The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation to those who serve, or have served, and their families, which says we will do all we can to ensure they are treated fairly and not disadvantaged in their day-to-day lives.

Employers that sign can make public promises to set out their support to members of the Armed Forces community who work in their business or access their products and services.

Typically, these promises might include pledges to encourage reserve service, support employment of veterans and service spouses, and to give the Armed Forces community a fair deal on commercial products and services.

More than 1,500 businesses have signed so far, including Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, which became the first Chamber of Commerce to sign up in March 2016.

Other businesses with Cumbrian links to have signed the covenant include BAE Systems, Eddie Stobart, GSK and Siemens.

There is help available for businesses looking to recruit veterans.