Jersey Minister says no job rights for reservists until 2015

Army reservists will have to wait until 2015 to get job protection, according to Jersey's social security minister.

Senator Francis Le Gresley said he agreed with a review by the Employment Forum calling for better protection, but said the change was "complicated".

The island's 70 reservists currently rely on the goodwill of employers to keep them in their jobs while they are serving with the British Army.

Reservists said the change would have a positive impact on soldiers' lives.

Senator Le Gresley said: "There is clearly general support for the introduction of employment protection for reservists.

"Employment protection for reservists cannot be a priority for 2014, and I will therefore request that the Social Security Department includes in its business plan for 2015 the preparation of an appropriate amendment to the employment law."

Territorial Army unit leader Maj Nick Spratley said earlier this year that the lack of protection was undermining recruitment efforts.