New rules mean employers will be told which of their staff belong to the
Volunteer Reserve Forces (VRF).
Currently, while members of the reserve forces are encouraged to notify
employers of their status and commitments as reservists, they are not obliged
to inform employers of their membership.
However, from 1 April, notifying the employer becomes a condition of service
for all new recruits.
Current members will also be required to agree to their unit contacting
their employer to inform them about their membership.
MP Ivor Caplin, under secretary of state for defence and minister for
veterans, announced the changes to the recruitment of the Volunteer Reserve
Forces.
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The recent compulsory mobilisation of reservists during the war with Iraq
caught many employers by surprise and in some cases led to disruption of
business.
