FSB chief in Afghan support trip

Apr 17 2008 Evening Gazette

THE MIDDLESBROUGH-based chief of lobby group The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) returned from the Afghan war zone this week to praise the work of reservists.

But the tour was overshadowed by news of 51-year-old engineering boss Gary Thompson’s death on Sunday, while on patrol in Kandahar.

FSB chief John Wright had been asked to join colleagues from business groups The British Chambers of Commerce and the Institute of Directors to raise the profile of reservists who hold down a regular civilian job. The aim was to encourage employers to support staff who wished to join up and could be away from their jobs for several months at a time.

“Reservists include doctors, engineers and IT specialists - at any one time we have 1,000 of them in theatre,” said Mr Wright. “Going to Helmund province was my way of showing my personal appreciation and the Federation’s for the work they do.”

He said he had been appalled by recent reports that soldiers had been abused back home. “Whatever my view of this conflict, it appalls me that any of our personnel feel in any way intimidated by walking down the street,” he said.

Last summer more than 100 of the UK’s largest firms pledged their support for volunteer soldiers, sailors and aircrew. BT, Tesco and Barclays joined the campaign to get other public and private sector employers to follow suit.