Specific jobs that could avoid UK army conscription as plans preparing for war 'rapidly develop'

If conscription ever made a comeback in the UK, some people in certain careers could have a get-out-of-jail-free card up their sleeve.

Even during the outbreak of war, the country has to keep running - just like during Covid, when key workers in essential services carried on grafting.

And given the latest announcement made by the British Armed Forces minister, it seems that the idea of World War 3 erupting might not be that far-fetched after all.

Earlier this week, Al Carns revealed that the UK is 'rapidly developing' plans to brace Britain for the possibility of being dragged into a bloody conflict.

"The shadow of war is knocking on Europe's door, and that war could be bigger and bloodier than what we have experienced in recent times," the former Royal Marine said. "If you look at the UK casualties taken in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, that amounts to about a week in the war in Ukraine.

"If you are asking is Britain is on a war footing, then you are on the money."

Carns also said that ministers are currently working out what 'everybody's role in society means if we were to go to war and the build up to war'.

People in certain careers could avoid conscription if it was ever brought back (ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

He told Sky News: "Collectively, everybody - what is their role if we get caught in an existential crisis, and what do they need to be aware they need to do and what they can't do, and how do we mobilise the nation to support a military endeavour?

"Not just about deploying the military, but actually about protecting every inch of our own territory. That work is ongoing now, it's rapidly developing. We've got to move as fast as we can to make sure that's shored up."

If the worst-case scenario does come to fruition, conscription could potentially be reintroduced to bolster the number of troops, as it was for both previous World Wars.

However, not every single person in the UK would be drafted, as previously, it depended on factors such as your health, age, gender and profession.

So, for most people who are considered to be fighting fit and suitable for the frontlines, the only way they may possibly dodge mandatory service is if they are deemed to be an essential worker.

History can help us hazard a guess at what jobs might equate to being an essential worker these days.

For example, teachers were considered essential workers in World War I (Getty Stock Image)

Two years after the outbreak of World War I, the Military Service Act was passed, requiring all single men aged 18 to 41 to be called up; it was later extended to married men as well.

However, certain people were spared from going to war - including the medically unfit, clergymen, teachers and certain classes of industrial workers, because of the need for them at home.

Conscientious objectors also avoided the battlefield and were assigned civilian jobs or non-fighting roles at the front.

When the UK entered World War II in 1939, the government reintroduced similar measures to ensure the army could put up a strong fight.

The National Service (Armed Forces) Act was enacted, requiring all men aged 18 to 41 to serve in uniform.

But again, those with certain jobs were exempt - and this time, it included gigs in sectors such as baking, farming, medicine, and engineering, according to UK Parliament.

A tougher approach was also taken to conscientious objectors this time around, as they were forced to appear in front of a tribunal to explain their reasons for refusing conscription. However, they could also be granted an exemption if they successfully argued their case.

So...how many people are considering a quick career change?