Rights and responsibilities for reservists and employers
Financial support for employers
You can claim financial support if a reservist you employ is called up.
Do not pay their salary or pension contributions while they鈥檙e away - the Ministry of Defence (MOD) pays these costs. You鈥檒l need to make changes in your payroll system.
You can apply to delay or cancel mobilisation if it will seriously harm your business.
What you can get
You can claim financial assistance to cover:
- the cost of a temporary replacement if it鈥檚 more than the reservist鈥檚 salary (up to 拢110 a day)
- advertising costs and agency fees for finding a replacement
- a period of handover and takeover (5 days before and after mobilisation)
- 75% of the cost of specialist clothing for the replacement (up to 拢300)
- training costs for the replacement (up to 拢2,000)
- overtime, if other employees cover the work
- training the reservist needs to carry on their job when they return
Extra support for micro, small and medium-sized businesses
You can claim a further 拢500 a month for each full-time employee who is mobilised if all of the following apply:
- your annual turnover was no more than 拢25.9 million in the 12 months before the reservist was called up
- you had no more than 250 employees or partners on the date of mobilisation
- you鈥檙e a private or charity sector employer or business partner
These are known as employer incentive payments.
You鈥檒l get pro-rata payments for part-months and for part-time employees.
What you cannot claim for
You cannot claim for:
- loss of profits, turnover or goodwill
- your reservist鈥檚 salary or pension contributions if you keep paying them
How to claim
Download and fill in the claim form. Print it out, sign it and either scan and email it or post it. The addresses are on the form.
When to claim
You can claim before the reservist leaves, but you will not get a payment until they鈥檝e started service. You cannot claim later than 4 weeks after the last day of their service.
You can claim for costs as they arise - you do not have to claim for them all at once.
Costs for training should be claimed within 8 weeks of the end of the training.
Help for employers
If you need further help, email Defence Relationship Management (DRM).