Mr A Hawkes v Ausin Group UK Ltd [2018]

The claimant, Mr Hawkes, was employed by the respondent company as a business development manager. He was also a Royal Marines reservist which required him to perform 28 days’ training each year. Upon acceptance of his offer of employment he had negotiated an additional week’s unpaid leave as part of his contract, subject to the prior approval of his manager, to enable him to discharge his duties as a reservist. He also notified his employer that there was potential for him to be called for active service.

In June 2016, the claimant enrolled in a seven week voluntary training exercise in California. He asked his manager for five days leave to attend an initial shooting exercise and a