What counts as employment?

[eteb3]

Charity running a summer camp would like to offer reduced price tickets for people who volunteer on the camp.

Is this consideration for work done, and so an employment contract, and so to be avoided? Or just volunteering and some perks as a thank you?

Thanks

 

[Newchodge]

Charity running a summer camp would like to offer reduced price tickets for people who volunteer on the camp.

Is this consideration for work done, and so an employment contract, and so to be avoided? Or just volunteering and some perks as a thank you?

Thanks

Tickets for what?

 

[Newchodge]

ANd yes, it may mean they are entitled to NMW. https://www.gov.uk/volunteering/pay-and-expenses

 

[eteb3]

For admission to the summer camp

 

[Newchodge]

For admission to the summer camp

You mean they have to pay to volunteer? If it is for admission for the volunteers, I think that would count as reimbursement of expenses.

 

[DontAsk]

If they are volunteering they should get in free.

 

[eteb3]

Well it’s a bit more complicated as the volunteering is for only part of the event and so probably doesn’t represent the full value of a ticket.

They pay for their attendance. Can we let them pay half price if they help out a bit while they’re there, is the question.

 

[Frank the Insurance guy]

From an Insurance point of view, whether paid or not, volunteers are usually considered as Employees, and therefore Employers Liability Insurance is a legal requirement.

One of the tests for this is whether they are "working" under your direction and control and using your tools/equipment.

HSE has a guide here: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hse39.pdf

 

[WaveJumper]

I wonder what seems like a good idea suddenly becomes very complicated ie should volunteers if working with children need to be DBS

From Google search

"Enhanced DBS checks, which are typically required for those working with children, cost £49.50, while standard checks are £21.50. Volunteers may have the DBS fee waived for standard and enhanced checks, but umbrella bodies may still charge an administration fee"

 

[MikeJ]

Ludicrous. They're volunteers. What next, if someone's volunteering at an event and you give them a cup of tea, they're suddenly employees?

I spent two days helping at a music festival. I'd already bought my ticket, but others that volunteered got free tickets (value less than £20). To suggest they're employees in any way, shape or form is laughable.

 

[MikeJ]

I wonder what seems like a good idea suddenly becomes very complicated ie should volunteers if working with children need to be DBS

From Google search

"Enhanced DBS checks, which are typically required for those working with children, cost £49.50, while standard checks are £21.50. Volunteers may have the DBS fee waived for standard and enhanced checks, but umbrella bodies may still charge an administration fee"

Of course volunteers working children need DBS checks. Do you think perverts insist on being paid to get access to children?

 

[MikeJ]

And in case anyone wonders, yes I am in a foul mood.

 

[Newchodge]

Ludicrous. They're volunteers. What next, if someone's volunteering at an event and you give them a cup of tea, they're suddenly employees?

I spent two days helping at a music festival. I'd already bought my ticket, but others that volunteered got free tickets (value less than £20). To suggest they're employees in any way, shape or form is laughable.

I agree, if they are getting free or subsidised entry. But not if they are getting 5 free tickets to give to family/friends.

 

[fisicx]

If I help run the egg and spoon race at the local church fete do I need DBS checks?

And if the event organiser gives me £20 as a thank you for helping out I’m not an employee.

Stop overthinking things.

 

[WaveJumper]

Agreed horses for courses ,but helping with the egg a spoon race is on a different level to helping out at lets say a summer camp

This good weather must be getting to a few members or its a dose of continued bad news every time you turn on the radio

Chill out people its Friday