The history of NELC

In the 1980s it was planned to expand the TA significantly, with more modest increases in the strength of the Reserve Forces of the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines and the Royal Air Force. However, it was realised that the turnover, the premature drift away of Reservists, was running at some 30% and that of those who left, some 40% did so for job or employer related reasons. It was considered that significant reductions in turnover could be made by conducting an ongoing campaign to keep this factor under control. The NELC Campaign got underway in September 1988 with its first main pillar, a direct marketing scheme. Since then the Chaiman of NELC has been writing to company Chairmen, Chief Executives and other employers inviting them to declare their support. By the end of 1999 nearly 6000 companies throughout the UK had done so, by having statements on service in the Volunteer Reserve Forces written into their employment policy documents. Between them these leading firms represent over 65% of the country’s workforce.

NELC’s aim

NELC runs a major, long-term, high profile, tri-Service campaign – the Volunteer Reserve Forces Campaign. The objectives of this campaign are to improve retention in the Volunteer Reserve Forces (VRF) by:

• Raising the status of the VRF among employers, peer groups and families.
• Enlisting support for those employees who are, or who may wish to become members of the VRF.
• Maintaining an effective liaison with employers and providing them with friendly and helpful advice on the VRF.
• Advising Ministers of the impact on the VRF of current conditions in the employment market.

Enquiries

The NELC Secretariat works closely with the Ministry of Defence and is available to handle employers’ general queries about various aspects of the Reserve Forces. However, the initial approach should be made to regional Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations, which are supported by their own Employer Liaison Committees; their local contacts will be able to sort out most problems fairly quickly.

How to become a supportive employer – How you can help

Since the formation of NELC, the retention rate of Reservists has improved. However with your help we can increase this rate of retention by improving employers’ understanding of the mutual benefits of having employees with Reserve Forces training and experience.

Questionnaire

The Volunteer Reserve Forces form a vital part of our national defence – which is why we ask for your personal and corporate support now. Please do fill in the questionnaire and e-mail it, it will help NELC to provide the necessary information to employers. Click here for the form.