The Royal British Legion, Jersey, turned to the Armed Forces Covenant (the Covenant) to bring financial compensation to two local serving soldiers over the Christmas period.
The Covenant was established in Jersey in 2014 and is designed to protect Armed Forces Personnel and Veterans from being disadvantaged because of their service both during and after leaving the Forces. This usually relates to housing and finances, but includes any situation where they have been denied any sort of assistance, support or resource from any business or government department.
During 2020, there were two instances where soldiers, through no fault of their own, were financially disadvantaged when they returned to Jersey for annual leave. One was sent home on leave before being deployed to the Middle East and was required to have a COVID-19 test before returning to service, but he had to pay for it himself. Another soldier who lives with his grandmother was unable to stay with her because she was ill, so he turned to the Royal British Legion, Jersey, to help him find and pay for alternative accommodation in a hotel for his isolation period.
Keith Sunter, Welfare Chairman of the Royal British Legion, Jersey said: “The Covenant was established in Jersey in 2014, but has not been called upon until recently. We are delighted that in both these cases, the principles of the Covenant were honoured by the Government of Jersey and the funds were refunded. I would like to thank the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs for his quick response and positive resolution to these matters.”
The Royal British Legion exists to provide financial, social and emotional care to all members of the British Armed Forces, past and present, and their families.
The soldiers’ families, who cannot be named for security reasons, have expressed their gratitude to The Royal British Legion:
“We’ve honestly never experienced such kindness and support and we certainly will not be forgetting it.”
“Our family is delighted and would wish to thank the Legion for supporting and providing assistance that was not available at the time. It is reassuring to know that support is available when required.”
