Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will extend (a) workplace protections and (b) formal recognition for (i) Mountain Rescue Team members and (ii) other voluntary emergency service personnel to supported them in their duties without detriment to their employment.

The Plan to Make Work Pay sets out an ambitious agenda to deliver our Plan for Change by ensuring employment rights are fit for a modern economy, empowering working people and contributing to economic growth.

The Government values the vital work carried out by all volunteers particularly those who respond in emergencies and those who volunteer for public duties.

We are currently reviewing the entitlement to time off for public duties under Section 50 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 to ensure it remains fit for purpose or if any changes or additions need to be made.