Reservists (Hansard, 28 January 2003)

§ Mr. Keetch
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many reservists served in(a)the Gulf War, (b)Kosovo and (c)Afghanistan; and what percentage of those fit for active duty this represented at the time. [92137]

§ Dr. Moonie
As of 22 January, 588 reservists have served in support of operations in Afghanistan. This figure excludes a small number of RAF reservists who served in Afghanistan between 1 July 2002 and 22 January 2003 for which figures are currently unavailable. It is not possible to state what percentage of those reservists fit for active duty this represented as the state of health for members of the reserve forces changes from day to day. A reservist's fitness for active duty only becomes apparent either when they report for service or if they make an application for revocation, exemption or deferral of call-out based on their health.
In the time available it has not been possible to collate information regarding the number of reservists who served in Kosovo or during the 1990–91 Gulf conflict as this is not held centrally.

§ Mr. Keetch
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a)reservists and (b)medical reservists have responded to call-up notices; and if he will make a statement. [92665]

§ Dr. Moonie
As at 21 January 180 reservists called-out to support Operation TELIC had reported for mobilisation of which 98 were accepted for service. None of these individuals were medical reservists.

§ Mr. Cameron
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what legal protection to return to their existing jobs is afforded to reservists called up by the armed forces; and if he will make a statement. [93320]

§ Dr. Moonie
Reservists who are called out into permanent service benefit from employment protection under the Reserve Forces (Safeguard of Employment) Act 1985.Under Section 1 of that Act an employer must take into his or her employment, at the same conditions of service as they were previously serving, former employees who make a written application at the end of a period of called-out service. If this is not reasonable and practical, the Reservist must be reinstated on the most favourable terms of service available.
Should an employer fail to reinstate a Reservist in accordance with the provisions of that Act, the Reservist may apply to a Reinstatement Committee to hear his case. The Reinstatement Committee can order the employer to reinstate the Reservist, or to pay compensation to him/her, or both. Failure to comply with an order of a Reinstatement Committee is a criminal offence, and an employer may be fined on summary conviction. Appeals by either the employer or the Reservist against the determination of the Reinstatement Committee may be made to an Umpire appointed by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.