The laws covering mobilisation are there to protect both Reservists and their employers.

Although the mobilisation process includes the issuing of an employer pack, the Reservist is still responsible for informing their employer that they have been called out.

Once a call-out notice has been issued, the Reservist is covered by the Reserve Forces (Safeguard of Employment) Act 1985 (SOE 85). This provides two types of protection - protection of employment for those liable to be mobilised, and reinstatement for those who have been mobilised. This means that:

• the employer cannot terminate a persons employment based on their liability to be mobilised and without their consent
• the Reservist is entitled to reinstatement to their original position (or one of equal pay and status) on completion of military service

Employers and Reservists are entitled to make claims for financial assistance and apply for exemption or deferral of mobilisation