David Reeves

Last week the leaders of UK small business organisations visited Afghanistan to show their support for the UK's Reserve Forces, and highlight the vital role the Reserve Forces are playing in Afghanistan as part of the UK's Armed Forces.

Research released last week reveals a lack of awareness amongst some small businesses of the role of Reservists: nearly one in eight (12%) of those questioned still see the Territorial Army and other Reserve Forces as "just a hobby for people who enjoy outdoor pursuits"; almost one in ten (9%) still think Reservists are just for the defence of the UK. This is despite some 17,000 Reservists serving in Iraq or Afghanistan in recent years.

According to the YouGov research, conducted amongst small and medium sized businesses that employ Reservists, there is widespread recognition that Reservists bring valuable skills to their civilian workplace. These include the ability to be a good team player (67%), a willingness to take responsibility (50%), an ability to respond well to pressure and handle difficult situations (60%).

Members of the Reserve Forces undergo rigorous training, gaining many new and highly valuable skills which can be easily transferred into the workplace.

For Reservists deployed on operations it is vital for them to have the support of their employer. When I was deployed to Iraq with the Territorial Army I felt that I did not have the full support of my employer. When I returned back to the UK I left my company and found a new job straight away. Whilst this worked out for the better, it caused unnecessary disruption and stress at a time when Reservists returning from 6 months on the front line, need to relax and settle back into society.

For more information for employers on the Reserve Forces visit the Sabre website.