As soon as a call-out notice is issued, there’ll be a lot for both parties to consider. A Reservist will have to make all of the necessary preparations, including making sure that both their professional and personal lives are in order. An employer will have to think about how to cover their Reservist's role whilst they're away.
How does the MOD decide who to call out?
In most cases the Armed Forces use a process known as ‘Intelligent Selection’ to identify the most appropriate people for call out. This allows Reservists to be selected according to their individual skills and specializations and allowing a unit to take into account a Reservist’s personal and employment circumstances.
If there is a situation where there isn’t enough time, the MOD may have to mobilise a Reservist without being able to go through this process. If this were to happen both the Reservist and their employer would have the right to apply for exemption or deferral of the mobilisation and make known any extenuating circumstances so that they could be taken into account.
Your rights if an employee is called out
What information is provided in the call-out pack?
The Reservist’s pack includes:
- A covering letter giving a short explanation of the mobilisation process
- The official call-out notice itself
- A ‘conditions of service’ document
- A list of clothing and equipment to take
- Information on exemption, deferral and revocation of mobilisation, application conditions
- Information on employment protection of a Reservist’s civilian job
- A form to fill in about pension contributions
- Information on financial assistance and instructions on how to make a claim
- Information on welfare services
- Mobilisation helpline and a list of contacts
- Sometimes a pack is included for the Reservist to hand to their employer, although this may be sent to them direct
The employer’s pack includes:
- A copy of the official call-out notice
- A letter setting out the date and possible duration of mobilisation
- Details of employers’ statutory rights and obligations
- Details of the statutory rights and obligations of the Reservist
- Information about exemption, deferral and revocation of mobilisation, application conditions
- Details on financial assistance and an application form
- A list of contacts
What do you need to do?
Make sure you read through all the information, and in particular the ‘apply by’ dates if you’re applying for financial assistance or deferral, exemption or revocation of mobilisation (this should be done within 7 days of receiving the call out papers).