Some of the comments received in relation to the question:
Sadly, I still do not feel that being a Reservist is looked on as an attribute for most employers, especially at application stage. I’ve had several jobs over the years and I have had to be very careful during my applications as to how I present my military status. At nearly every interview I’ve been asked whether I’ll be ‘called up’ which, rightly or wrongly, I always play down. When discussing PTVR service post regular service with RAF personnel, many who are interested won’t pursue it until they have secured a civilian job. They feel being a reservist will jeopardise their chances of employment…... I feel reservists would benefit from some training in how to handle applying for jobs and dealing with interviews in regard to discussing their status.
I believe employers that are supportive will be supportive; however, no amount of contact will change those that are not. Therefore I believe that strong sanctions by Government are necessary to force recalcitrant employers, if needs be, to be supportive but only as a last resort.
We need to educate and engage with middle management; too much employer engagement is aimed at the Execs.
We added a question asking for thoughts about what methods the RAF could actively pursue to boost support provided by employers etc. A combination of improved communications between the Service and employers, more face to face visits and briefings about the role of the Reservist were the most common responses. Some of the additional comments received were:
I wish employers in the UK where more supportive and took the time to understand the commitment an individual is making. I also feel employers should be more supportive financially instead of making employees use their holiday entitlement for the two week training course or make them take it as unpaid. This can be quite a headache trying to make sure you have enough funds to cover the funds lost and two weeks out of some people’s holiday is quite a lot when they have children to look after in school holidays.
As a RAF Reservist I have received training and experience that has in my opinion better equipped me as an individual to further the aims of my Civilian Employers and enhance the quality of my Civilian product.
Simple ways are enhanced qualifications- for example at RAF Halton on BTRC we received a thorough and excellent First Aid training- however it does not count as a civilian award which can be used in the workplace- this is a lost opportunity. Likewise, Food Handling Courses. As one rises through the RAF rank structure or the promotions ladder in civilian life we see other more complex military courses that are significantly educating our RAF Reserve personnel. However I am not sure the civilian employers are aware of these. Even something as simple as a statement of training and qualifications received, updated annually and given to personnel could then, if they chose, be passed on to their employer and added to their training files - thereby making them more valuable to their employer and not just perceived as someone that plays ‘war games’ at weekends.
www.raf-ff.org.uk 11
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