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