Reservist Policy

PIVT. recognises the valuable contribution that members of the Reserve Forces make to the Armed Forces, our communities and the wider workforce. We are proud to support our employees who serve as reservists and are committed to helping them balance their military commitments with their career at PIVT.

Our commitments to achieve this are:

• To ensure reservists are treated fairly, with dignity and respect in line with our values.
• To provide reasonable time off to fulfil training and mobilisation duties in accordance with legislation and best practice.
• To maintain open and supportive communication between reservists and their line managers, ensuring mutual understanding of commitments.

What is covered under this policy?

This policy sets out the procedures and expectations for employees of PIVT. who are members of the UK Reserve Forces.

This policy explains:

• What support is available to reservist employees.
• How to request leave for training and mobilisation.
• The roles and responsibilities of employees and managers.
• Rights relating to return to work following mobilisation.

This policy applies to all employees who serve as UK military reservists.

Any queries regarding the policy should be discussed with your line manager. Please note that where the term “line manager” is used it refers to the person you directly report to.

What are mine and others roles and responsibilities under this policy?

Reservist Employees are asked to:

• Inform their line manager and HR of their reservist status as early as possible.
• Provide written confirmation of their reservist commitment, including expected training dates and mobilisation notice periods.
• Submit requests for time off as early as possible using the appropriate internal processes.
• Keep line managers informed of any changes to their military commitments.

Line Managers are asked to:

• Maintain open and supportive communication with reservists regarding their commitments.
• Consider time off requests reasonably, balancing operational needs with support for reservists.
• Ensure compliance with this policy and relevant legislation.
• Support the reintegration of employees returning from mobilisation.

How is it managed?

Employees must request time off as early as possible using the standard leave request procedure and provide supporting documentation from their military unit.

PIVT. supports reservists to meet these commitments by:

• Allowing up to 5 days of paid leave per year for annual training, subject to operational requirements and with prior approval.
• Permitting unpaid or annual leave for additional training needs where paid leave is exhausted or not applicable.

What happens if I am mobilised?

If a reservist is mobilised for full-time service, they will be granted unpaid leave of absence from their role at PIVT. for the duration of their military duties.

Reservists must inform their line manager immediately upon receiving notice of mobilisation, providing a copy of the mobilisation papers.

Employment Protection

Under the Reserve Forces (Safeguard of Employment) Act 1985, mobilised reservists have a legal right to return to the same or similar role following demobilisation. PIVT. will comply fully with this legislation and support a smooth transition back to the workplace.

During mobilisation

The Ministry of Defence will assume responsibility for the reservist’s salary. The employee’s contractual employment with PIVT. will be paused (not terminated) for the period of mobilisation. Benefits may be paused or adjusted and the employee’s line manager will confirm the status of benefits in writing prior to mobilisation.

After mobilisation

Employees are expected to contact their line manager within 14 days of completing service to discuss their return. A reintegration meeting will be held to plan the employee’s return, provide appropriate support, and update them on PIVT. developments. The right to return to work remains in place for up to 6 months after demobilisation.

PIVT. acknowledges that balancing military and careers can be demanding. We encourage open dialogue to support our reservist colleagues.

Reservists may also access:

• Occupational Health if additional support is needed following mobilisation.
• Flexible working options, where feasible, to help accommodate training and reintegration.

For further guidance on this policy or any associated queries, please contact your line manager.