This is just one more twist to make every human activity the subject of a financial transaction [and therefore taxable] and to keep the illusion of perpetual economic growth alive. It is women who have borne the brunt of this over the last 50 years. They’ve been squeezed to death and there is no more juice to extract. So, let’s clobber the volunteer. Next they’ll want grandparents who babysit to get paid or the mate who’ll fix yer washing machine as a favour in return for you fixing his leaky tap.

This is desperation politics/economics to keep a failing system alive, a system that favours those who are trying to keep it alive.

Where will it end?

however I can see that if charity work involves fund raising, then perhaps people should be rewarded according to their fundraising gift, skills or abilities.

There are many charities who already employ highly paid staff
and you can bet banks bailed out charitably by Gordon Brown, Alistair Darling and the tax payer, will still reward handsomely those failed fat cats with golden hanshakes.

And yes, Reluctant Blogger, I am learning the art of delegating which I quite enjoy so I can multi-task.

But people should definitely be enabled and encouraged to do it – time off, essential expenses, respect and appreciation.

I am amazed by the amount that you do, Ellee. I am still convinced there are really two of you and that one day you’ll be caught out when you both mistakenly turn up at the same place at the same time!

I think it has to be a pretty big firm who can allow its workers time to volunteer but many might see it as very good PR anyway.

However, companies should encourage their employees to take on roles through a highly-publicised CSR programme and time off work to do these activities. My employer gives me half a day every month to do voluntary work in, and has a large number of internal opportunities that they promote as well. I use my half-day to help me plan, set up, or keep up-to-date with my role as a Scout Leader.