Reserved Occupation - World War II

World War II

In the UK, in 1938, a Schedule of Reserved Occupations had been drawn up, exempting certain key skilled workers from conscription. This was as a result of the problems from World War I, when too many skilled workers were allowed to enlist, thus creating serious problems in certain key industries. Examples of reserved occupations in the Second World War included coal mining, ship building, and many engineering-related trades. The situation and the Schedule were constantly reviewed, most particularly because of the influx of women into the workplace, for example into the munitions industry, which freed up men to be called up. Many in reserved occupations joined civil defence units such as the Special Constabulary, the Home Guard or the ARP, which created additional responsibilities on top of their work, although this allowed the men to ‘serve’ without having to join up, thus alleviating the frustration many felt. Also, many pacifists and conscientious objectors worked in reserved occupations as a compromise or to avoid call-up. Harper Adams University College saw a huge demand for places during the second world war, as both students and farmers were exempt from conscription.

In the UK coal mining was not a reserved occupation at the start of the war, and there was a great shortage of coal miners. So from December 1943 one in in ten men conscripted was chosen at random to work in the coal mines. These men became known as Bevin Boys after the creator of the scheme, Ernest Bevin, the Minister of Labour and National Service.

A schedule of Reserved Occupations also existed in Canada during World War II.