Employing a member of the Reserve Forces

Since 1 October 2014, Reservists and their employers have been affected by legal changes announced within the Defence Reform Act 2014.

Broader powers for mobilisation

Defence can now call out Reservists for any purpose for which Regulars may be used - previously, they could only be called out to serve in specific circumstances. This will ensure that Reservists become more fully integrated into the Regular Forces.

Also, the maximum period for which Reservists may be mobilised is 12 months, but an extension may be requested. The 12-month period of mobilisation will cover training, deployment, and recuperation after service.

Those Reservists who joined before 1 October 2014 have a choice whether or not to transfer to these new terms. However, anyone who joined on or after 1 October 2014 will be automatically subject to them.

Defence Relationship Management (DRM) is an organisation that supports members of the Reserve Forces and their employers. Defence Relationship Managers exist to assist employers and reservists within their regions. Read DRM guidance on employing a Reservist.

Additional financial support for employers

SMEs and equivalent-sized charities and partnerships are allowed to claim up to £500 for each month their Reservist employee is mobilised. This financial incentive is on top of the existing Employer's Award which covers the cost of replacing Reservists when they are mobilised and claiming re-training costs when they return to work.

Employment protection

Reservists are exempt from the one-year qualifying period in bringing unfair dismissal claims to an employment tribunal if the reason; or primary reason for dismissal is their being a Reservist.