Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will review the list of people granted the right to take time off work to perform public duties under section 50 of the Employment Right Act 1996.

The entitlement to time off for public duties helps to ensure that unpaid roles within our public services attract a broad range of people, including those who are in work, while breaking down a barrier to participation in civic life for people who need to work full time.

The initial legislation that introduced this entitlement is over 50 years old. I have asked my officials to consider how we can ensure this legislation remains effective.