TUC signs charter on volunteer working

A charter recognising the value of volunteers but ensuring they are not used to undercut paid staff has been signed by the TUC and Volunteering England. It is accompanied by TUC guidance on agreements between unions and organisations setting out volunteers’ roles in the organisation.

The charter sets out key principles on how volunteering should be organised, emphasising that roles undertaken by volunteers should complement and not substitute those performed by paid staff.

The guidance clarifies the distinction between paid workers and volunteers and sets out how good relationships between staff and volunteers can best be fostered.

It explains that, while volunteers are not entitled to the same rights as an employee — such as the minimum wage, holiday and sickness pay, they should still receive some form of agreement from the organisation they are volunteering with. This should include information about the types of roles they will be doing and the support they can expect from the organisation.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: “An increasing number of interns and volunteers have been taken on during the recession. With so many people concerned about their jobs, it’s vital that employers make a clear distinction between volunteers and paid staff.”

Volunteering England said it was pleased to be part of “such an historic agreement”.