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<p>An 'anti-disadvantage' survey was launched on 3 July 2013 to gather any evidence
of disadvantage against which the Government might be able to legislate, in order
to protect Reservists. A very small number of cases were reported. Where requested,
engagement with these employers took place to rectify the particular issues identified.
However, the survey did not generate sufficient data to determine the scale of disadvantage
so a new question will be included in the next annual Reserves Continuous Attitude
Survey and, if necessary, additional measures to protect members of the Reserves from
discrimination will be considered.</p><p>Specific employment protection for Reservists
has been included in the Defence Reform Act 2014, which commenced on 1 October this
year. Reservists now have immediate access to an Employment Tribunal for unfair dismissal
without the usual two year qualifying period of service if they believe the primary
reason for their dismissal is because they are a Reservist. This is an important step
in minimising any disadvantage arising from Reserve service.</p><p>The Ministry of
Defence has also actively engaged with employers to impart the benefits of employing
Reservists and to mitigate any impact on the employer. These include advance notice
of training programmes for the coming year and the provision of a local point of contact.
It is hoped that better and earlier engagement will avert any issues that could lead
to Reservists being disadvantaged.</p>
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