A Reservist has a number of responsibilities towards you as their employer:
To tell you that they’re a member of the Volunteer Reserve Forces (VRF)
Reservists are always encouraged to discuss their VRF status and commitments at job interviews or tell you about their intentions before they join.
Anyone who becomes a Reservist, or seeks to renew their commitment (re-engage), must give permission for the MOD to write to their employer direct. This system, known as Employer Notification, is designed to ensure that you’re aware that you have a Reservist employee and that you know about the associated benefits, rights and obligations.
To find out about their employer’s policies
Reservists are responsible for finding out about any policies you have in place regarding the Reserve Forces, in case they affect their availability for training and other commitments.
To ask for training leave if required
It’s up to individual Reservists to make you aware of their basic training commitments, and to ask for training leave when it arises. They should know about this well in advance, allowing them to help manage any impact on their civilian employment through forward planning.
To tell you if they’re mobilised
If a Reservist receives a call-out notice for mobilisation, they should tell you as soon as possible.
As part of the mobilisation process you’ll receive a letter, which sets out the start date and possible duration of mobilisation. It also explains your statutory rights and obligations - including your entitlement to apply for an exemption or deferral from mobilisation under certain circumstances and information on the financial assistance available.
To write to you about their return to work
When a Reservist is demobilised they should write to you to let you know that they can return to work. There are set timelines in which a Reservist should contact their employer. See demobilisation for more information.
A Reservist should write to their employer no later than the third Monday after their last day of whole-time service (the last day they receive full military pay). They are entitled to return to their role on no less favourable terms and conditions than before. If you agree a date and terms, then no further action needs to be taken. See your rights and responsibilities for more information.
They should also talk to you about their skills
Because the training Reservists receive is invariably of great use in their civilian jobs, it’s a really good idea if they take the time to discuss it with you. Also, Reservists often attain a high level of responsibility in their military careers – a fact which could well be of interest to you as their employer. See the value Reservists bring to the workplace for more information.