Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what leave from employment reservists are entitled to in order to fulfil both compulsory and optional training programmes.

Reservists can be unemployed, in education or in civilian employment as self-employed, casual, part or full time. The amount of leave Reservists receive from their employer in order to fulfil their training programmes is a matter between them and their employer. Through our employer engagement we provide employers with better information about the Reservists they employ, including their annual training commitment and notice of mobilisation. This helps employers to plan better for staff absences.

In addition, the Employer Recognition Scheme was launched by the Prime Minister in July 2014 and this seeks to recognise employers through a tiered scheme (bronze, silver and gold) on a range of personnel objectives. More than 400 Silver awards have been presented since the scheme was launched. As an example, Reservists in the Public Sector are entitled to 15 days' special paid leave each year for training purposes.