Written question asked by Stuart Anderson (Conservative) on Friday, 8 January 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 12 January 2021. It was answered by Paul Scully (Conservative) on Monday, 18 January 2021 on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Voluntary Work: Leave

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the statutory provision for time off to fulfill public duties to (a) charity trustees and (b) other roles.

Answer: Employer-supported volunteering can help to build stronger communities and a stronger economy, by helping charities and community groups to do more and by creating a more motivated and productive workforce. Employees have the right to reasonable time off work to carry out specified public duties such as those of a magistrate or a local councillor. Whilst there are currently no plans to assess the current provisions, the Government is keen to see greater corporate responsibility on the part of employers and to encourage the public sector, charities and businesses to consider their impact on society.

Secondary information