§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if(a) medical reservists and (b) non-medical reservists in the Gulf are receiving compensation equal to their civilian salaries; and if he will make a statement. [118191]
§ Dr. MoonieUnder the provisions of the Reserve Forces Act 1996, any Reservists whose military salary is less than their civilian earnings may apply for financial assistance. This consists of a Standard Award that is calculated on the difference between civilian and military salaries. The amount that may be awarded is limited within set bands related to rank and specialism. If a Standard Award is insufficient to avert serious financial difficulties, a Reservist can also apply for a652W Hardship Award to cover essential outgoings such as mortgage repayments, school fees, child care costs etc. Hardship Awards are calculated on essential expenditure rather than actual earnings and there is no financial limit on the amount that may be awarded.
The regulations governing financial assistance for Reservists are contained in Statutory Instrument 309 of 1997 ("The Reserve Forces (Call-Out and Recall) (Financial Assistance) Regulations 1997"), and are currently under review.