Watercress Line welcomes law change for young volunteers

This comes after a successful campaign by the Watercress Line and other heritage railways to amend the government's Employment Rights Bill.

The campaign, supported by East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Heritage Rail, aimed to remove the uncertainty created by outdated legislation.

Previously, the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act 1920 left it unclear whether under-16s could volunteer, effectively excluding many young people from participating in heritage railway activities.

New Bill removes barriers for under-16s volunteering on heritage railways (Image: Supplied)

An amendment was proposed in the House of Lords to overturn part of the 1920 Act, which made it unlawful for under-16s to work in certain sectors.

Initially, ministers argued that the 1920 Act did not prohibit such volunteering and that no change was necessary.

However, following further representations and a plea by Damian Hinds, the government has now agreed to amend the Bill to explicitly exempt youth volunteers on heritage railways from the provisions of the 1920 Act, ending years of legal ambiguity.

Mr Hinds said: "The legal questions over the 1920 Act created real uncertainty for heritage railways wanting to inspire and involve young people in their work.

"The Government’s decision to clarify the law is a fantastic victory for everyone who has campaigned for this change, including our very own Watercress Line, which can now offer a range of volunteering opportunities to young heritage rail enthusiasts."

Rebecca Dalley, CEO of the Watercress Line, also welcomed the decision, saying it will help the railway "continue to inspire future generations in preserving our transport heritage."

The Bill is now in its final stages, with Lords' consideration of Commons amendments expected next week and Royal Assent anticipated shortly afterwards.