Services company Norse Group has underlined its commitment to helping former armed forces personnel to find new careers by signing the Ministry of Defence Armed Forces Covenant.

NPS Group and NorseCare have now pledged their support, which Norse Commercial Services did last year.

It means the companies will promote themselves as 'armed forces-friendly' organisations and work to establish a pathway for service leavers, as well as supporting those whose spouses and partners are in the forces, including by offering flexible leave during their deployment.

The EDP/EADT Top 100 company will also support staff who are in the reserve forces, and back local cadet units.

Mike Britch, managing director of Norse Group and NPS Group, said: 'We recognise that people coming from the armed forces have fantastic skills and values which are not only transferable but are critical to our business. The Armed Forces Covenant formalises our commitment to ensure people leaving the armed forces gain the support they and their families require.'

Karen Knight, managing director of NorseCare, said: 'The levels of training provided by the military are incredibly high. The same qualities of leadership, determination to get things done and the ability to think quickly and calmly all equally applicable in a business environment as well as a military one.'

Major Gavin Rushmere said: '7 Brigade and Headquarters East are delighted to welcome NPS and NorseCare to the Armed Forces Covenant and look forward to developing a mutually understanding relationship over the coming years.'

Nearly 2,000 businesses and organisations across the UK have already signed the covenant.