DBERR reviews minimum wage for voluntary workers
The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (formerly the Department for Trade and Industry) is carrying out a review of the provisions in the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 that relate to voluntary workers.
The National Minimum Wage Act 1998, section 44 currently excludes voluntary workers from minimum wage requirements. Voluntary workers are defined as individuals who work for certain types of organisation, including charities, voluntary organisations, associated fund-raising bodies and statutory bodies.
The consultation looks at the possibility of expanding the exclusion to cover participants in schemes that are part of the national framework for youth volunteering recommended by the Russell Commission, which was set up to examine ways to increase the participation of young people in volunteering.
The Government is also seeking views on whether or not any other changes to the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 in respect of voluntary workers are required and how it can consolidate guidance in this area.
The closing date for responses is 4 September 2007.
Also
Model documents on volunteering XpertHR's policies and documents service has model documents on volunteering.
How to 'employ' volunteers XpertHR's how to service offers a step-by-step guide on 'employing' volunteers.
The national minimum wage: the basics XpertHR's employment law reference manual provides guidance on the national minimum wage.
