Geraint has warned that the Territorial Army is struggling to recruit because the benefits system penalises reservists.

Those who join the Territorial Army, and claim Jobseekers' Allowance, lose their benefits if they do the two-week compulsory training.

When a reservist conducts a military exercise or training that exceeds 72 hours per month, they lose their JSA because they are unable to meet the 'available for and actively seeking work' conditions.

Speaking in the House of Commons during defence questions, Geraint said: "Concern has been expressed about Army recruitment in Swansea because Territorial Army pay is taken off the benefits of Territorial Army personnel, thus undermining demand from those people who are not working to join the Territorial Army.

"Will the minister talk to the other departments involved to try to reconcile that problem?"

Shadow defence secretary Jim Murphy also raised the issue with the new Defence Secretary Phillip Hammond.

Mr Murphy said: "At a time when many reservists have lost their full-time jobs, the benefits system might be unintentionally penalising them and hindering their freedom to take on extra reservist training or allowances.

"It would be a disgrace if a single reservist lost a penny in benefits because of their service.

"Will the Secretary of State undertake a wider piece of work with the rest of Government and conduct an urgent review to ensure that our welfare state does not punish a single reservist?"

In response, Mr Hammond said: "The Minister for the Armed Forces tells me that the problem the right honourable gentleman raises is one that we are acutely alert to and aware of.

"There is work being done across Government to look at the problem and ensure that the concerns that he has raised are dealt with."