§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment in what circumstances unemployed volunteers claiming the jobseeker's allowance are able to continue their voluntary employment; and what benefits they will be entitled to between ending voluntary work and starting paid employment. [39681]
§ Mr. ForthClaimants will be able to undertake voluntary work while in receipt of a jobseeker's allowance as long as they are actively seeking work and available for work at 48 hours' notice. If they decide to stop undertaking voluntary work, they will have to be immediately available for work; in other respects, their benefit entitlement will not be affected. On starting paid employment of more than 16 hours a week, they may be eligible for a range of in-work benefits, depending on their individual circumstances.