An Essex army of plumbers, electricians, telephone men and office workers are on standby to fight for Queen and country.

Although none of the 500 reservists and members of the reserve forces stationed in the county is involved in a first-wave call up in readiness for war against Iraq, they could be called up at any time.

Major employers in the county, including the county council, doctors and hospitals, are making initial assessments of potential staff losses.

Lieutenant Colonel Jackie Allan, of the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for East Anglia, said that she had contacted all units in the region after Tuesday's announcement by Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon. "There has been a political flurry, but it hasn't resulted in anything tangible in our county," she said.

"But we are all signed up for Queen and country and Government has now put the enabling notice in place. Technically, we could be called at any time."

At Essex County Council, managers have been asked to establish how many staff and in what departments are members of the reserve forces.

Essex Strategic Health Authority said that it did not have any figures on the number of health staff who might be affected, adding that it was up to individual health trusts to cover any losses.

Other major Essex employers which are registered supporters on the reserves include Ford Motor Company, British Telecom and Marconi Communications.

Lt Col Allan said that hospital trusts were supportive. She said: "Very often they are strapped for cash and they recognise that we are able to offer a quality of training, particularly management training, which benefits staff in their work."

Published Friday, January 10, 2003

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