Lidl has become the first discounter to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, strengthening its commitment to the armed forces community.

The Covenant, which was signed at Horse Guards in London and attended by colleagues with military connections, requires a pledge to uphold both current and past armed forces members and their families.

Among other initiatives Lidl has reaffirmed for ex-military personnel within the business include, additional support for veterans and their partners, and an expansion of Lidl’s ex-armed forces focus group.

Other internal policies the grocer is championing include the promotion of its Career Transition Partnership (CTP) programme and the enhancement of its reservist policy.

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Lidl GB director of operations Joe Kourea said: “It was an honour to witness our signing ceremony at the esteemed Horse Guards, steeped in military history. We recognise the sacrifices made by those in the Armed Forces and truly believe they should face no disadvantage when leaving the military.

“As a retailer, we benefit immensely from the skills that colleagues with military experience have gained from their time with the forces. That’s why we’ve pledged our support through the Covenant and are enhancing our internal policies to welcome the skills and experiences of ex-military personnel into Lidl.”

Lidl’s latest move follows suit from fellow supermarkets who have ramped up their support of the armed forces community in recent years. In 2022 Asda also signed  the Armed Forces Covenant as it invested in a veteran charity day, while Tesco and Morrisons offered free and discounted meals to armed forces members.