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Volunteers receive pension boost | Volunteers receive pension boost |
(5 days later) | |
Public sector workers doing volunteer work abroad are to have their pension contributions paid for them, following a decision by the government. | Public sector workers doing volunteer work abroad are to have their pension contributions paid for them, following a decision by the government. |
Contributions for workers such as doctors and teachers will be paid from a £13m fund aimed at boosting public sector volunteering abroad. | Contributions for workers such as doctors and teachers will be paid from a £13m fund aimed at boosting public sector volunteering abroad. |
The head of Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) welcomed the move. | The head of Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) welcomed the move. |
Some 350 UK public servants take up volunteer assignments in developing countries each year. | Some 350 UK public servants take up volunteer assignments in developing countries each year. |
VSO chief Mark Goldring said: "This move is a strong and welcome endorsement by the government of international volunteering." | VSO chief Mark Goldring said: "This move is a strong and welcome endorsement by the government of international volunteering." |
The scheme is open to any member of a UK public sector pension scheme. | The scheme is open to any member of a UK public sector pension scheme. |
Mr Goldring added: "It recognises the critical contribution that public sector professionals can make to the fight against poverty through sharing their professional skills. | Mr Goldring added: "It recognises the critical contribution that public sector professionals can make to the fight against poverty through sharing their professional skills. |
"It also acknowledges the huge benefits they then bring back to public service in the UK when they return with refined skills and a strong sense of personal and professional growth." | "It also acknowledges the huge benefits they then bring back to public service in the UK when they return with refined skills and a strong sense of personal and professional growth." |
'Vital skills' | 'Vital skills' |
Schools Secretary Ed Balls said: "Ensuring that pension contributions are paid, at no cost to the school, local authority or individual teacher, will encourage more sabbaticals and career development breaks. | Schools Secretary Ed Balls said: "Ensuring that pension contributions are paid, at no cost to the school, local authority or individual teacher, will encourage more sabbaticals and career development breaks. |
"This is in line with our recent support for international placements in Africa for UK school leaders, in partnership with the National Association of Head Teachers and VSO." | "This is in line with our recent support for international placements in Africa for UK school leaders, in partnership with the National Association of Head Teachers and VSO." |
Volunteering plays a valuable role in our society Douglas AlexanderInternational Development secretary | Volunteering plays a valuable role in our society Douglas AlexanderInternational Development secretary |
International Development secretary Douglas Alexander said: "Volunteering brings vital skills and energy to our efforts to tackle poverty in the developing world. | International Development secretary Douglas Alexander said: "Volunteering brings vital skills and energy to our efforts to tackle poverty in the developing world. |
"And now the government is providing more support and encouragement for those who have skills to share. | "And now the government is providing more support and encouragement for those who have skills to share. |
"Volunteering plays a valuable role in our society, not just in helping to reduce global poverty, but in the wealth of experience volunteers will bring back to the UK and into public service." | "Volunteering plays a valuable role in our society, not just in helping to reduce global poverty, but in the wealth of experience volunteers will bring back to the UK and into public service." |
The fund - a joint initiative of the departments of Health, International Development and Children, Schools and Family - is part of the government's effort to implement Lord Crisp's report into improving links between health services in the UK and developing countries. | The fund - a joint initiative of the departments of Health, International Development and Children, Schools and Family - is part of the government's effort to implement Lord Crisp's report into improving links between health services in the UK and developing countries. |
The fund will be available to workers between 2008 and 2011 for periods of between seven and 24 months. Pensions contributions will be based on people's salaries. | The fund will be available to workers between 2008 and 2011 for periods of between seven and 24 months. Pensions contributions will be based on people's salaries. |
VSO recently celebrated its 50th birthday. It has almost 1,500 skilled professionals currently working in 34 countries. |
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