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Employer information.

The legal aspects

Reservists with employer in workplace

For mobilisation

The legal basis for the mobilisation of Reservists is provided for in The Reserve Forces Act 1996 (RFA 96).

The Reserve Forces Act 1996 (RFA 96) provides for three main powers under which mobilisation can take place:

  • If it appears that national danger is imminent or a great emergency has arisen or in the event of an actual or apprehended attack on the United Kingdom (Sections 52 (mobilisation) and 68 (recall)).
  • If it appears that warlike operations are in preparation or progress (s54), e.g. Iraq.
  • If it appears necessary or desirable to use Armed Forces on operations outside the United Kingdom for the protection of life or property; or on operations anywhere in the world for the alleviation of distress or the preservation of life or property in time of disaster or apprehended disaster, (s56), e.g. the Balkans.

View the full copy of The Reserve Forces Act 1996 (RFA 96).