7 November 2012 Last updated at 22:23 ET

Defence Secretary reveals plan for 'radical shift' in Army reservists' role

Philip Hammond talks to reservists during a visit on Wednesday to a Territorial Army centre in London

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond is due to set out details of plans to boost the role of reservists in the Army.

The government wants to double the size of the Territorial Army from 15,000 to 30,000 while the regular Army's strength is cut by 20,000 to 82,000.

Mr Hammond says the changes would mark a "radical shift" in the way reservists help to deliver the nation's security.

But Labour says that if more is going to be asked of reservists, ministers must provide extra support.

Under the changes Mr Hammond is proposing - which are being put forward for consultation - the Territorial Army would in future be known as the Army Reserves, to reflect its greater role.

Reservists' training would increase from 35 to 40 days a year - with the promise that if they meet their commitments they will be better equipped and funded.

The Ministry of Defence says it will spend £1.8 billion over the next decade to make that possible.

Maximum military effect

Regular soldiers who leave the service will also be encouraged to join the reserves.

Ahead of the announcement on Thursday Mr Hammond said: "This is about using the resources we've got within a very difficult fiscal climate to deliver the maximum possible military effect.

"What we're talking about here is increasing the reserve component of our forces to bring it closer in line with our major allies, all of whom have a much bigger percentage of their forces in the reserve than we do."

In a speech Mr Hammond is expected to promise future reservists that if they make the commitment to regular training and deployment, they will be made an "integral part" of the Army.

The government says it will work with employers - giving them more notice before staff are deployed.

Companies that support reservists on their staff could be awarded a badge similar to the kite mark in recognition of their efforts.

Employers' organisation the CBI says that while it is ready to help the government, it is disappointed by the lack of proper engagement on the issue so far.

Shadow defence secretary Jim Murphy said he was in favour of the enhancement of the role of the reserves, but insisted the government needed to go further in terms of supporting both them and their employers.

"If more is going to be asked of reservists, ministers must provide more support," he said.

"Anti-discrimination legislation, improved pre-deployment training and better mental healthcare are vital.

"At a difficult time for many companies, employers must be given the support they need when their workers serve on reserve duty."

Last year an independent commission, set up in the wake of the Strategic Defence and Security Review, concluded that the UK's reserve forces were in need of "significant revitalisation".

The government says responses to its consultation will form part of a white paper to be published next year on the future role of reservists.

Source : bbc[dot]co[dot]uk