Reservists and their employers: call-up, redundancy and returning to work

Many public sector staff serve in the reserve forces alongside a civilian job. GOV.UK sets out what reservists and employers can expect when a reservist joins up, is called up for full-time service (known as mobilisation) and returns to work.

Training

Employers do not have to allow time off for training but may choose to. GOV.UK says reserve training usually involves one evening a week, several weekends a year and a 15-day course each year. Ask your employer about their policy before you sign up. The Army Reserve profile describes the role itself, and public sector jobs for veterans covers moving from service into civilian work.

Redundancy

Reservists cannot be made redundant due to training or mobilisation. If redundancies happen because of closure or business problems, reservists must be treated the same as other employees. Redundancy rights explains the general rules.

How the employer finds out

The reservist gives the employer’s details to their commanding officer, and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) then contacts the employer. GOV.UK says employers usually get a letter from the MOD within 5 weeks of an employee signing up. The MOD does not contact employers in Northern Ireland, but reservists there must still give their employer’s details to their commanding officer. A reservist tells their employer directly only if their job requires them to take no other work. If you change jobs, you tell your commanding officer, who informs the new employer.

A reservist with a good reason, such as being at a disadvantage if the employer knew, can apply to their commanding officer for an employer notification waiver. It lasts 12 months and can be renewed.

Mobilisation

Reservists receive a call-out notice when full-time service is needed. In most cases they get 28 days’ notice, though they could get less if they are needed urgently. They should tell their employer as soon as they know.

You can apply to defer mobilisation for up to a year, which gives a new reporting date. You can also apply for an exemption of a year or more, or cancel mobilisation if you have already been mobilised. Reservists and employers must apply within 7 days of getting the call-out notice, and a late application needs permission from the adjudication officer. If an application is unsuccessful, you can appeal.

Financial support is available to both reservists and employers when a reservist is called up. The claim process and amounts are on the GOV.UK financial support pages.

GOV.UK also says employers can be fined and required to pay compensation if they end a reservist’s employment because of mobilisation.

Returning to work

After service, reservists get a period of leave. To return earlier they need permission from their commanding officer or the demobilisation centre, and the employer cannot force them back before the leave ends. Write to your employer as soon as you know your return date, and no later than the third Monday after your last day of service.

The employer must re-employ you as soon as they are able, in the same type of job on the same terms and conditions. If that job no longer exists, you are entitled to a reasonable alternative. The minimum re-employment period depends on the length of your service:

Length of service	Minimum re-employment
Up to 13 weeks	At least 13 weeks
13 to 51 weeks	At least 26 weeks
52 weeks or more	At least 52 weeks

If you are not taken back

You can apply to an employment tribunal. It can order the former employer to re-employ you or award compensation. Write to the tribunal if you get no reply after telling your employer, are not re-employed, or are offered a job you are unhappy with. GOV.UK names the tribunal offices as Manchester for England, Scotland and Wales, and Belfast for Northern Ireland. Our guide to tribunal time limits explains the general deadlines.