Universal Credit and Volunteering

The proposed regulations wish to continue the current rules allowing claimants who are volunteering “up to 48 hours to attend an interview and one week to take up paid work”.

There is recognition within the proposals that volunteering can contribute to a person’s work search activities.  This is to be welcomed, for some people volunteering is an excellent way of (re)introducing them to the world of work, developing new skills and experience, and improving mental and physical health.  However, we would like clarity on a further proposal which states that volunteering can contribute “up to 50 per cent of their expected hours of work search” for claimants placed in the ‘all work related requirements' group.

Members of the UK Volunteering Policy Forum sent a letter to their relevant Ministers and Scrutiny Committee asking for a meeting to discuss this proposal and ensure no negative unintended consequences occur for people on benefits who wish to volunteer.  The Minister through his Private Secretary has responded to our letter, he has offered reassurance that claimants will not be expected to volunteer or face sanctions if they do not volunteer.  He also stated that details of the system for recording hours is still ongoing.  Volunteer Now will be continuing dialogue with the UKVPF and DSD.  We will keep you informed of progress on this issue.

 For more details go to www.volunteernow.co.uk/news/item/318/universal-credit-and-volunteering