HALFORDS, which has its headquarters in Redditch, has pledged to offer guaranteed interviews to ex-service men and women looking for work.

The store has signed the Government’s Armed Forces Covenant, and will offer guaranteed interviews to service leavers for all roles (pending that candidates meet the minimum requirements for the role) to help with what can be a difficult transition to civilian life.

The initiative is launched jointly with the Ministry of Defence and it is hoped it will result in greater support for those leaving the armed forces, as well as reservists.

Graham Stapleton, CEO for Halfords Group, said: “We are really proud to sign the Armed Forces Covenant to help people leaving the services find new careers and gain training with Halfords retail and autocentres.

"This initiative is completely win-win, allowing our business to access a pool of potential colleagues with fantastic transferable skills, and helping service leavers build new careers with Halfords.”

Major General William O’Leary Deputy Commander Field Army, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence said; “Having Halfords Group sign our Armed Forces Covenant is a fantastic boost to the scheme and shows that there are excellent career opportunities for service leavers and reservists.”

Adam Smith joined the forces aged 16, rising to become a Scimitar tank commander.

He left the army in 2013 and his level 2 mechanic training gained in the army helped him secure his role with Halfords.

“In the army you have to have the mindset of being able to solve problems as part of a team which is really useful in this role," he said.

"I think its great Halfords is stepping up to support the forces and I think more companies should do it.”