A major effort to improve the support provided for reservists has been directed at employers across the country.

Following up on the experiences of the recent conflict in Iraq, the Ministry of Defence’s SaBRE campaign (Supporting Britain’s Reservists and Employers) has targeted three distinct groups – those found to be ‘supportive’, those offering ‘unknown support’ and those known to have had employees mobilised last year.

Each will receive slightly different message packs.

SaBRE campaign director Tim Corry said: “The pack has been created in the light of recent events, which have served to make the whole issue of Reservists much more ‘front of mind’ for employers and to reinforce the essential role of Reservists in the capabilities of the Armed Forces as a whole.

“Employers now have a real need for easy access to clear, relevant information and focused support, especially when it comes to mobilisation.

“And we want them to be fully aware that SaBRE is here to provide it – at both a national and a local level.”

SaBRE was set up to encourage stronger links between employers and Reservists.

It is supported at a regional level by SaBRE Employer Support Executives, who work within the offices of Reserve Forces and Cadets Associations (RFCAs).

A common complaint from employers was that they were not always aware of the presence of Reservists within their workforces.

“They are not currently obliged to inform their employers of their membership, although we strongly encourage them to do so,” said Tim Corry.

“The MOD believes this is both unfair to employers and impractical, in terms of contingency planning, and is committed in principle to the introduction of employer notification.

“In doing this, however, the interests of employers must be balanced with the avoidance of discrimination against Reservists. The MOD hopes to set out its proposals on this issue in the near future.”

Employers also complained about the short period of notice of mobilisation of Reservists.

“We are well aware of the inconvenience this causes, and the target period for notice has already been increased from two weeks to three.

“A further extension is being considered, as many employers have suggested that a month would be more appropriate.

“However, while every effort will be made to meet this target, employers should recognise that circumstances may sometimes dictate greater urgency.

“The international situation may change unexpectedly, for example, or operational requirements may demand the call-up of Reservists with particular specialist skills at shorter notice.”

There were also often requests for more specific details when employees were mobilised.

“We recognise that employers of mobilised Reservists should be kept informed on such key issues as what their employee is doing while away, the likely date of return and preparations for that return,” said Mr Corry.

“The MOD is currently investigating how best to ensure that families and employers are kept more fully informed about what’s happening to their mobilised relative or employee.”

Another frequent gripe was that the procedures for employers were over-complicated.

“Hopefully, they will soon become much simpler. In the light of recent experience, procedures are being reviewed to ensure they are as streamlined as possible, without compromising standards,” said Mr Corry.

“Two areas in particular are being examined to make them more appropriate and straightforward – the financial assistance available to employers of mobilised Reservists, and appeals for the delay or cancellation of a mobilisation.”

It was also suggested that information for bosses could be more comprehensive and coherent.

“We want our communications to give all the information required with absolute clarity. So all printed material provided by the MOD for employers at the time of mobilisation and demobilisation is currently being reviewed for style and content.

“Some parts have already been revised as a result. Also, following feedback from employers, the SaBRE website at www.sabre.mod.uk is being upgraded to offer a wealth of extra information.”