Member

The amendments would represent a significant move away from the current partnership-based approach. Amendment 40 would impose new policy, publication and review requirements on employers, while requiring the Government to establish supporting guidance and compliance reporting arrangements. Although the amendment does not provide for sanctions or civil liability, it would nevertheless create administrative burdens for employers. There is also a risk that moving from a voluntary framework to a statutory one could discourage some employers from engaging with defence and employing veterans, undermining the collaborative approach that has helped secure employer support for reservists to date. An important point was well made by the noble Lord, Lord De Mauley, on the collaboration between businesses of all sizes and veterans.