Many co-operatives rely on the help of volunteers and without them they would find it difficult to run their organisations. While from the outside it may seem that there is no legal relationship between an organisation and a volunteer, there often is, and it is imperative that organisations are clear on the organisational management of volunteers.
Although a volunteer may act as an employee in terms of the tasks they carry out, they do not have a contract of employment. It is important that volunteer arrangements are in place to ensure that the relationship and expectations are defined and recorded. Volunteer arrangements provide a clear distinction between volunteers and employees. There are certain circumstances where the line between volunteer and employee can become blurred, including:
If these lines are crossed an organisation could find themselves vulnerable to claims from volunteers. At Anthony Collins Solicitors we work with you, as co-operative or mutual, to provide support and advice on all aspects of the organisation and management of volunteers and help your organisation ensure that you have safeguarded yourself against the risk of claims.
We have extensive experience of working within the co-operative sector but also with groups working with volunteers (such as charities). We use this sector knowledge and our experience to work in partnership with our clients to ensure they are aware of their legal obligations toward volunteers. We can advise on all aspects of volunteer management, including:
Our specialist team are well placed to advise on volunteer issues as many have personal experience of volunteering and are trustees of organisations which regularly work with volunteers.
In response to the Women and Equalities Select Committee Report back in July 2018 on sexual harassment in the workplace, the Government is looking at a number of initiatives.
The Employment Appeals Tribunal (“EAT”) held in Flowers v East of England Ambulance Trust that “normal” remuneration included voluntary overtime if it was paid over a sufficient period.
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has given a Judgement in Ville de Nivelles v Matzak on whether stand-by time constitutes working time under the Working Time Directives.
Employers are having to walk a fine line between protecting their interests whilst also ensuring that they are not breaching their employees’ rights.
The sanctions against employers who knowingly or unknowingly employ individuals who do not have the correct immigration status to work in the UK are stringent.
Under the Working Time Regulations (WTR) a worker is entitled to a 20 minute rest break away from their workstation if their daily working time exceeds six hours. However, there are limited circumstan
What can an employer do when its negotiations with a recognised union break down and they cannot collectively agree changes to terms?
Can an employee’s concerns raised purely out of self-interest constitute a qualifying disclosure for whistleblowing purposes?
What’s on the horizon for HR and employment law in 2018? Kate Watkins highlights key legislative changes and cases to keep an eye out for.
The Advocate General of the European Court of Justice (“ECJ”) has confirmed that a 5 month gap in operations does not necessarily prevent TUPE applying.
To receive invitations to our events, as well as information and articles on legal issues and sector developments that are of interest to you, please sign up to Newsroom.
