Overview

This bill aims to allow young people to undertake voluntary work on heritage railways and tramways in the UK, removing existing legal barriers that currently prevent this.

Description

The Heritage Railways and Tramways (Voluntary Work) Bill modifies existing employment laws to permit voluntary work by young people on heritage railways and tramways. It specifically amends the Employment of Women, Young Persons, and Children Act 1920.

Key Definitions:

• Heritage Railway/Tramway: Defined as per the Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority for Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems) Regulations 2006, regardless of profit status.
• Voluntary Work: Unpaid work (excluding travel/expenses) benefiting either the heritage railway/tramway directly or the young person, even if incidentally benefiting the railway/tramway.
• Young Person: Defined similarly to "child" in the Education Act 1996, but with age requirements of 12 years to benefit the railway/tramway and 10 years to benefit themselves.

The bill applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and comes into force upon passage.

Government Spending

This bill is not expected to have a significant impact on government spending as it primarily focuses on amending existing legislation to allow voluntary work. No specific figures on cost or savings were included in the bill.

Groups Affected

• Young People (aged 10-17): This bill directly affects young people, granting them the opportunity to engage in voluntary work on heritage railways and tramways.
• Heritage Railways and Tramways: These organizations will benefit from the increased volunteer workforce, potentially improving operations and reducing costs.
• Regulators (e.g., the Office of Rail and Road): May need to provide guidance on the implementation and oversight of this new provision.

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