The Unpaid Work Experience (Prohibition) Bill is a private member’s bill introduced by Lord Holmes of Richmond (Conservative) due to have its second reading on 27 October 2017.
As we set out in our response to the call for evidence on youth social action, heritage volunteering represents 6% of all voluntary work undertaken in England. The numbers rose from 575,300 in 2014/15 to 615,500 in 2015/16 – more than the population of Glasgow! The estimated economic value of heritage volunteering, based on National Minimum Wage rates, was £520.1 million in 2015/16. If based on regional median hourly earnings this rises to £909.9 million. This Bill therefore has potential for significant impact on the heritage sector if it were to proceed.
The Bill contains two clauses, and would prohibit unpaid work experience lasting for longer than four weeks, by making it compulsory for employers to pay the national minimum wage to individuals undertaking such work experience.
The House of Lords library has written a note looking at these issues. Ongoing interest in this topic is of great importance to the heritage sector which relies on volunteers.