Employers are still enthusiastic about hiring reservists, even though a quarter of them are currently on duty in Iraq.

Research has shown that 85% of employers have not changed their attitude towards reservists and one in 10 is more supportive towards them than before the Iraq war.

An independent survey, carried out among a random selection of HR directors and managers for the Ministry of Defence campaign SaBRE (Supporting Britain’s Reservists and Employers), showed strong support for members of the reserve forces among employers.

Almost nine out of 10 employers said they would not discriminate against reservists when recruiting a new member of staff.

SaBRE campaign director Tim Corry said: “It is very encouraging to see that employers’ attitudes towards reservists are so positive. The support of employers is crucial to the reserve forces in fulfilling their role for the nation. This is true during regular service and particularly during mobilisation.”