the uk government perspective on employer support to reserve forces 1 august 2013 major general john...

The UK Government Perspective on Employer

Support to Reserve Forces 1 August 2013

Major General John Crackett TDAssistant Chief of Defence Staff Reserves and Cadets GBR Ministry of Defence

Contents• How did we get here?

• What does the UK want from Reserves?

• What is the deal for Reservists?

• What do employers think?

• What is the deal for employers?

• Conclusion

UK Reserves - 2018

Size of the ReserveTrained Strength

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

80000

90000

1990 2000 2013

Reservists Mobilised

Regular Reductions

Reserve Expansion

Pulled in three directions

Family Military

Employer

Employers

Good News from Employers

Use reservists more (50%)

Engage us better (62%)

Reservists bring value and benefits (70%)But:

• How do we use them?• Costs outweigh benefits

Bad News from EmployersKnew little about ReservesDid not know they employed reservistsDefence does not understand impact of mobilisationWant:

– better management of relationship– more notice– more flexibility

Anti-discrimination legislation not effective

I have been disadvantaged at work

Better Balance the Proposition

• Easier financial claims• £500 per month for small companies• Accredit military skills and experience to

recognised civilian qualifications• Public recognition of supportive employers

Develop New Relationships

• Improved information on-line• Ensure employers know their reservists• Advance notice of annual training• Longer notice of mobilisation or a period of

high-readiness• Feedback after mobilisation• National Relationship Management Scheme

Legislation

Reaction from employers“Future Forces 2020 will significantly increase the number of reservists in the workforce and require an additional commitment from businesses. We’re pleased the MoD has listened to businesses’ concerns, in particular the need to work in partnership with firms rather than taking a purely legalistic approach, to minimise any potential disruption.

We particularly welcome the plans for improved communications and the additional financial support to smaller businesses announced in the White Paper. Alerting businesses earlier about mobilisation will make things easier and a single point of contact for employers is a real step forward.

But the Government must work hard with businesses and ensure the transition to this new approach is as smooth as possible.”

Dr Neil Bentley, CBI Deputy Director-General

Additional Information

Future Reserves 2020 (FR20) White Paper and the Consultation Outcome:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/future-reserves-2020-consultation

Supporting Britain’s Reservists and Employers (SaBRE):

http://www.sabre.mod.uk/