Frequently Asked Questions

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Below is a list of some the most common questions asked by employers and Reservists, with a 'suggested' answer.  If you have a question you cannot answer, send the employer/ Reservist to the SaBRE helpline on 0800 389 5459 or the SaBRE website on www.sabre.mod.uk.

Do not hesitate to call your Regional SaBRE Campaign Director (RSCD) and ask if they can help you or speak to the employer/ Reservist on your behalf:

Current questions from employers:

Q:  What happens to an employee's pension whilst he/she is mobilised?

A:  Reservists may choose to remain in their company pension scheme or to become a member of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme.  If a Reservist chooses to remain part of his/her company pension scheme, the MOD will pay the employer's pension contributions.  It is best for employers to discuss all matters to do with pensions directly with the relevant personnel centres:

Army Personnel Centre (APC)
Tel: 0800 389 6585
Fax: 0141 224 8746
Email:apc-tares-genenqs@btconnect.com

Naval Personnel Secretariat
Tel: 02392 727 350
Fax: 02392 727 358
Email: 2slcsadpolsec@a.dii.mod.uk

HQ Personnel & Training Command
Tel: 01452 712 612 ext 7866 or 5172
Fax: 01452 510 949
Email:gcreserves@ptc.raf.mod.uk


Q: Can you help us get in touch with a Reservist who is currently mobilised?
A:  If the Reservist is in Operational Theatre:

Either advise the employer to contact their Reservist employee via personal e-mail, informing them that the Reservist will have access to this while away (as the employer may not be aware of this) or alternatively, if the employer does not have this information, give the British Forces Post Office address for them to write to. (If the BFPO is unknown contact the relevant mobilisation centre for details.)

If you are aware that the Reservist the employer is inquiring about is on POTL:

Advise the employer to write to the Reservist's home address, and let them know they should expect the Reservist to contact them within c.6 weeks of the last day of full-time service with a prospective return to work date.  (De-mob tracking from the relevant services personnel centre will be able to give the official date of last day of full time service).

Q: How will I know when my Reservist is due to return to work?
A:  Advise the employer that the average tour is one/two months pre-tour
training, 6 months in theatre and one/two months post op tour leave (and that the maximum for any one mobilisation is a year).  

Let the employer know that the Safeguard of Employment Act states that the Reservist should contact them with a date for return to work within 6 weeks after their last day of full time service, the end of their POTL.  If you can provide the employer with the last day of full time service, this will give a time frame within which to expect contact and their Reservist employee's return to work.  

Encourage the Reservist to contact their employer once they are back in the country letting them know if/when they will be returning to work.

Q: My Reservist is being mobilised for a second time.  How does the process work?
A:  Let the employer know that they have the same entitlements and the process is exactly the same as the first mobilisation. 

If the employer is unhappy about the frequency/length of mobilisation over a period of time i.e. more than one year mobilised in a period of 3 years, due to changes in legislation (AFA06), then refer them to SaBRE and we can monitor and report on this situation, and state that as with the previous mobilisation they have the right to apply for exemption.

 
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