Army Reservists: Employment Rights

Opened the debate

Mr Robinson thanked the Speaker for selecting this topic and expressed gratitude to the Minister for Veterans and People, acknowledging her role in engaging with defence issues. He highlighted the case of Charles Milroy, a reservist who served from 1982 until his retirement in 2015, seeking a pension he was denied due to legal entitlement under Part-time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000. The Employment Appeal Tribunal upheld Mr Milroy's case twice, and Mr Robinson emphasised the importance of this issue for veterans' rights and service recognition, urging the Government to address it.

Government Response

The Minister thanked Gavin Robinson for bringing this issue to the House and recognised his commitment to veteran issues. She noted that the case raises important questions about how we support those who serve, particularly reservists. The Government is committed to treating reservists fairly, lawfully, and with proper regard to both their military service and civilian employment. Since 2015, reservists have had access to the same pension scheme as regular counterparts, and during mobilisation periods, they receive pension provisions. The judgment in Charles Milroy's case must be carefully considered due to its specific facts, and the Government is assessing its implications while an appeal period remains open. The Minister emphasised that the Government will address any need for greater clarity, provide fairness, and act proportionately where necessary.