Reservists and volunteers
The reserve forces include:
- army reserve
- royal naval reserve
- royal marines reserve
- royal auxiliary air force
Reservists must inform their manager:
- that they are a member of the reserve forces
- the specific reserve force that they belong to
Volunteer reservists are typically committed to around 30 days' training per year. We will grant volunteer members of the reserve forces two weeks' paid leave of absence to attend annual camp, in addition to their normal annual leave entitlement.
If an employee needs further time off as a reservist, they must request annual leave. Alternatively, they may request a mix of flexi-time, annual leave and unpaid leave. In exceptional circumstances, managers may grant a paid leave of absence.
An employee involved in compulsory mobilisation will need to provide their manager with an official confirmatory letter and mobilisation papers. We may withdraw the right for the employee to be released where it would fundamentally affect the business.
We do not pay an employee involved in mobilisation as the Ministry of Defence makes payments. Following compulsory mobilisation, we will hold open an employee's position, providing they are employed in the four weeks before being called out.
When mobilisation is complete, the employee must notify their manager, who will agree to a return to work plan.
If the reservist is a member of our pension scheme, we advise them to seek clarity from the pensions team on their rights and entitlements whilst they are on mobilisation.
Time off for volunteering
We encourage and support the commitment of employees to work as volunteers in activities, organisations or teams that require support. Employees are encouraged to discuss any volunteering commitments they have outside of work, with their manager.
We will apply flexibility, where possible, to enable the employee to pursue these activities.