Government recognises role of young railway volunteers
The Heritage Railways and Tramways (Voluntary Work) Bill will cement the legal position for young people volunteering at heritage railways and tramways.
LEGISLATION that will ensure young people volunteering at heritage railways and tramways throughout the UK will not be considered to be breaking the law has taken a major step forward.
The Heritage Railways and Tramways (Voluntary Work) Bill successfully passed its second reading in the House of Lords on July 15. The bill will ensure that volunteers under 16 can be involved at heritage railways and tramways without the potential of being considered unlawful by the terms of the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act 1920.
The text of the new bill seeks to clarify that heritage railways and tramways would not be breaking the law by allowing people under 16 to undertake voluntary work that benefits the organisation involved. There has been widespread concern within the sector that the 1920 act unwittingly prevented groups from providing valuable voluntary experience to young people.
The Private Members’ Bill (starting in the House of Lords) has been spearheaded by Lord Faulkner of Worcester, president of trade body the Heritage Railway Association (HRA).
Lord Faulkner said: “I do not think there can be any doubt that the creators of the 1920 act did not envisage the circumstances that we’re concerned with here. In less litigious times, young people benefited hugely from their involvement with railway preservation. I am aware of dozens of examples of volunteers who started in their early years that have now gone on to be leaders in the sector, or indeed gone on to stellar careers in other industries but continue to volunteer.
Experience
“In a modern world where young people need every opportunity possible to get the best start in life, we need to be breaking down outdated barriers to ensure they can benefit from the fantastic training that is possible at heritage railways and tramways.”
The bill received substantial support during its second reading in the Lords. It will now pass to the committee stage for further consideration and any amendments required and returning for its final reading before passing to the Commons for it to be considered there.
The bill was supported by Lord Berkeley, The Earl of Shrewsbury, Lord Snape and Baroness Wilcox of Newport.
Responding for the Government, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Department for Work and Pensions, Baroness SteadmanScott, said: “The Government thinks it is important to recognise and support the valuable opportunities young people have through volunteering.
“I stress that modern health and safety legislation does not prevent young people volunteering on heritage railways or tramways, which I believe is a great experience for all involved.
“I would like to recognise
Lord Faulkner and the HRA for the important work they do in preserving this part of our nation’s cultural and industrial heritage, as well as for the opportunities that they and their members provide for children and young people on our heritage railways and tramways.
Support
“I make a commitment that officials from the Health and Safety Executive and the Office of Rail and Road, with support from DCMS, will offer to meet Lord Faulkner to discuss this issue further, particularly how the HRA guidance can be amended to better support managing the health and safety risks for young volunteers.”
HRA chief executive, Steve Oates, said: “The skills and knowledge young people gain from their involvement in heritage rail puts them in a great position to develop successful careers. Heritage railways depend upon teamwork, finding solutions and an understanding of everything from heavy engineering to customer service for success – and all of these skills are passed on to young people who get involved. That is why we need this bill as quickly as possible – to end any uncertainty.”