As an Employer Support Officer, a large part of your role will involve helping Reservists understand the importance of Employer Notification, how it works, and how it affects their relationship with their employer.
What is Employer Notification?
Employer Notification, or ‘EN’ as it is often called, has been in effect since April 2004. It is an automatic process the Ministry of Defence uses to contact the employer of a Reservist directly. This ensures that they are aware they have a Reservist on their staff and of their training commitments, and are informed about the related benefits, rights and obligations.
Its importance for Reservists
Since 1 April 2004, anyone joining or re-engaging as a Reservist will have had to give their permission for the MOD to contact their employer directly. This will affect the Reservists in your unit in a number of different ways. Some may well want to know exactly what their employer will be told. Others may be worried that their employer may see their membership of the Reserve Forces in a negative light or wish to exercise their right to appeal for a temporary waiver (up to 12 months). Part of your job is to guide them through the facts about EN, make sure they understand the benefits for them and help them take the best course of action. Take a look at the Employer Notification process from a Reservist's point of view.
Its importance for employers
If a Reservist is mobilised, it’s unreasonable to expect their employer to support them unless they already know they’re a member of the Volunteer Reserve Forces. Experience shows that the more employers know, not only about the benefits but also about the rights and responsibilities that will come with employing a Reservist, the more supportive they are likely to be. EN provides an ideal opportunity to inform employers of the many benefits Reservists bring to the workplace through their training – at no expense to them. Take a look at the Employer Notification process from an employers point of view.
Its importance for you
As an Employer Support Officer you will be closely involved in the proces of briefing and implementing the Employer Notification process. This may involve acting on behalf of the Commanding Officer by writing to the employers of new recruits and Reservists who re-engage. Before you get in touch with any Reservist’s employer, it’s important to check that you have their permission. It’s also vital that you have each Reservist’s most up-to-date employment details.
You can download the Employer Notification letter templates from our resource library.