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• Employing Reservists
• Training commitment
• Your rights
• A Reservist's responsibilities
• Employer Notification
• Managing Reservists
• What Reservists offer
• The legal aspects
• Mobilisation
• Your support
• Publications and downloads
• Take part in activities
• Case studies
• Different types of Reservists
• FAQs

Your rights

Reservist employees are unlikely to have many special requirements or to generate additional paperwork. Where special needs arise - for example through training commitments - your rights as an employer are set out in legislation.

• Leave for training
• When Reservists volunteer for mobilisation
• Notice of compulsory mobilisation
• Exemption, deferral and revocation of mobilisation

Leave for training

Most Volunteer Reservists have a commitment to around 30 days' training throughout the year. This typically consists of one evening a week, one weekend a month and a 15-day continuous training period (sometimes known as Annual Camp). You are under no obligation to grant a request by a Reservist employee for additional paid or unpaid leave. However, many supportive employers realise that the valuable, transferable skills gained in training will benefit their business and are happy to grant additional leave.

When Reservists volunteer for mobilisation

In most circumstances, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) uses 'intelligent selection' to identify Reservists for mobilisation. This means finding willing and available individuals for specific appointments. In such cases, the Reservist is encouraged to have discussed this with you. (See What is mobilisation.)

Notice of compulsory mobilisation

In the event of compulsory mobilisation, there is no statutory period of notice prior to an issue for mobilisation and the Ministry of Defence is not required to seek your consent. However, wherever possible the Services aim to provide both you and the Reservist at least 28 days' notice of the date on which the Reservist is required to report for mobilisation. (See What is mobilisation.)

• High Readiness Reserves (HRR) are a special category of Volunteer Reservist, who should normally be available to report for service at short notice. If a Reservist has a regular job and works more than two days per week, they will require your written consent as their employer before they can hold HRR status. This consent is renewed annually. (See Types of Reservist.) 
• Civil Contingency Reaction Forces (CCRF) can be called up at very short notice, as little as 24 hours, but would only be mobilised for a relatively short period of time, probably no more than a couple of weeks. (See Types of Reservist.)

Exemption, deferral and revocation of mobilisation

You have the right to seek exemption from, or deferral of, compulsory mobilisation if the Reservist's absence will cause serious harm to the business or a related business. (See Exemption, deferral and revocation.)

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