Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Farron calls on PM to provide legal protection for volunteers to underpin the 'Big Society'

September 6, 2010 12:00 AM

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has called on Prime Minister David Cameron to improve the legal safeguards protecting volunteers to make sure that the 'Big Society' policy works fairly.

Tim has been campaigning over the last couple of years to improve the rights of volunteers after the case of a distinguished volunteer member of HM Coastguard, George Crossman from Arnside, who was removed from his post without warning after many years of loyal service. This case led to Tim lobbying the previous government to provide a route for volunteers to seek redress or pursue grievances in the event that they are mistreated. Tim has become a leading advocate of volunteers' rights in the South Lakes.

With the advent of the 'Big Society', Tim is calling for legal guarantees to be put in place to make sure that what happened to George Crossman never happens again

In Tim's letter to the Prime Minister he says: "Before much greater use and opportunity for volunteers are established, the law must be amended to give employment rights of fair treatment to all volunteers. I do hope that you will agree to this vital safeguard for the thousands of current and future employees because all recent legislation has heaped health and safety requirements upon such individuals without protecting their entitlement to fair employment."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    timfarron.co.uk/en/article/2010/105847/farron-calls-on-pm-to-provide-legal-protection-for-volunteers-to-underpin-the-big-society
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    tf.lib.dm/a74zs

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    If you are a resident of the Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency and are writing to discuss any issue that Parliament or government is responsible for, you must provide your home address as MPs are generally only permitted to act on behalf of constituents.

    If you are not a constituent, you do not need to provide your address, but the matters we can deal with are more limited and you may wish to contact your local MP in the first instance.

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image