I have recently lost a case to my employee about pay. I am happy to pay back the money I am owed them although am not happy to pay compensation and am not sure if this will be enforced by the courts. Will I need to pay compensation to my employee?

You can be taken to an employment tribunal by an employee or someone else (for example a job applicant or trade union) over various issues, including:

Being taken to an employment tribunal

Overview

pay

dismissal

discrimination

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

The tribunal is independent of government and will listen to you (the ‘respondent’) and the other party (the ‘claimant’) before making a decision.

You may have to pay compensation or reinstate the claimant if you lose the case.

Solve the dispute without a hearing

You’ll be contacted by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) if someone wants to make a claim against you. They’ll offer to work with you and the claimant to try to solve the problem without it going to a tribunal - this is called ‘conciliation’.

Call Acas for help and advice.

Respond to a claim

The tribunal will send you a letter (known as a ‘response pack’) if a claim has been made against you and conciliation has not worked. You can respond either:

online

by filling out and returning the response pack you’re sent

by downloading and filling in the response form and sending it to the tribunal office dealing with the case

Read the response guidance before you fill in the form.

You must respond to the claim within 28 days.

You may be able to get more time to respond - ask the tribunal. If you’re late or do not respond, the tribunal may make a decision against you without a hearing.

Offer the claimant compensation

You can try to settle the case at any time by offering to pay compensation to the claimant (known as a ‘settlement agreement’).

Get help or legal advice

You may want to get legal advice if a claim is made against you.

Call the employment tribunal enquiry line for general guidance on how the process works. They cannot give you legal advice.

If you’re in Northern Ireland

Your case will be dealt with by the Office of Industrial Tribunals and the Fair Employment Tribunal.

Before the hearing

You’ll be given at least 14 days’ notice before the hearing - you’ll get a letter confirming this. You must prepare documents and arrange for witnesses to attend in advance.

‘Preliminary hearing’

You may be asked to go to an initial hearing (called a preliminary hearing) with the judge to decide on things like:

the date and time of a hearing

how long the hearing should take

The tribunal will let you know if you’ll have to give evidence or provide any extra information.

Arrange documents

You can ask the claimant for documents that will help you with the case, and they can request documents from you.

Examples of documents include:

a contract of employment

pay slips

details of a pension scheme

notes from relevant meetings

Usually the tribunal will issue an order setting out a timetable for when you should exchange documents.

You’ll be sent a letter telling you how many copies of each document to bring to the hearing.

Organise witnesses

You can bring witnesses to the hearing if they can give evidence directly relevant to the case.

If you ask a witness to attend and they do not want to, you can ask the tribunal to order them to come. You must apply in writing to the tribunal office dealing with the case, giving:

the name and address of the witness

details of what the witness may be able to say and how it will help the case

the reason the witness has refused to attend (if they gave you one)

You’ll most likely be responsible for paying the witness’s expenses.

At the hearing

Cases are normally held at the employment tribunal office closest to where you worked.

You must take the documents you’re using to support the case.

You cannot claim for expenses for going to the hearing.

What happens at the hearing

You’ll present the case to the tribunal - someone else can do this for you, such as a lawyer, friend or family member. The claimant will present their case against you.

You may be asked questions by:

the judge

the claimant

2 other tribunal members (only in certain tribunals)

Get a decision

You’ll be sent the decision in the post a few days or weeks after the hearing. The decision will be published on GOV.UK. In certain cases you may also be given the decision at the hearing.

If you win the case

In most cases, you will not be awarded any compensation if you win. However, if the claimant acted unreasonably or if their case had no hope of success, you can ask to be awarded costs by the tribunal.

If you lose the case

If you lose, the tribunal can order you to do certain things depending on the type of case. Examples include:

giving the claimant their job back

paying compensation if you cannot give the claimant their job back

paying witness expenses

paying damages or loss of earnings

Pay compensation

Paying compensation is the most common outcome of a tribunal. There can be limits to the amount of money a tribunal can award. There’s no limit in cases of discrimination.

The tribunal usually works out the amount based on the financial loss the person has suffered as a result of your actions.

Interest is calculated from the day the judgment is received, but you will not have to pay interest if you pay the full compensation award within 14 days.

You can be taken to court and forced to pay. You can also be fined and named online by the government if you do not pay.

Pay back state benefits

You might have to pay back any Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support or Employment Support Allowance (ESA) that the claimant claimed while taking their case to the tribunal.

This is to prevent them from getting paid twice.

The tribunal and the Compensation Recovery Unit will tell you what you need to do and how much to pay.

If you disagree with a tribunal decision

You can ask the tribunal to reconsider the decision if you lose the case.

You must write to the tribunal office within 14 days of getting the decision, saying why you want it to be reconsidered.

You need to give good reasons, such as:

the tribunal made a mistake in the way it reached its decision

you were not told about the hearing

new evidence has turned up since the hearing

Send your letter to the tribunal office that dealt with the case.

Appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal

You can also appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal if you think the employment tribunal made a legal mistake.

Legislation

The Employment Tribunal follows certain rules and processes that you also have to follow.

You can also read other relevant tribunal rules and regulations.

The tribunal has issued guidance and practice directions which provides more information about specific areas, such as postponing hearings and serving documents.

You can also read guidance about specific cases.

pay

Being taken to an employment tribunal

Overview

You can be taken to an employment tribunal by an employee or someone else (for example a job applicant or trade union) over various issues, including:

pay

dismissal

discrimination

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

The tribunal is independent of government and will listen to you (the ‘respondent’) and the other party (the ‘claimant’) before making a decision.

You may have to pay compensation or reinstate the claimant if you lose the case.

Solve the dispute without a hearing

Call Acas for help and advice.

Respond to a claim

online

by filling out and returning the response pack you’re sent

by downloading and filling in the response form and sending it to the tribunal office dealing with the case

Read the response guidance before you fill in the form.

You must respond to the claim within 28 days.

Offer the claimant compensation

You can try to settle the case at any time by offering to pay compensation to the claimant (known as a ‘settlement agreement’).

Get help or legal advice

You may want to get legal advice if a claim is made against you.

Call the employment tribunal enquiry line for general guidance on how the process works. They cannot give you legal advice.

If you’re in Northern Ireland

Your case will be dealt with by the Office of Industrial Tribunals and the Fair Employment Tribunal.

Before the hearing

‘Preliminary hearing’

You may be asked to go to an initial hearing (called a preliminary hearing) with the judge to decide on things like:

the date and time of a hearing

how long the hearing should take

The tribunal will let you know if you’ll have to give evidence or provide any extra information.

Arrange documents

You can ask the claimant for documents that will help you with the case, and they can request documents from you.

Examples of documents include:

a contract of employment

pay slips

details of a pension scheme

notes from relevant meetings

Usually the tribunal will issue an order setting out a timetable for when you should exchange documents.

You’ll be sent a letter telling you how many copies of each document to bring to the hearing.

Organise witnesses

You can bring witnesses to the hearing if they can give evidence directly relevant to the case.

the name and address of the witness

details of what the witness may be able to say and how it will help the case

the reason the witness has refused to attend (if they gave you one)

You’ll most likely be responsible for paying the witness’s expenses.

At the hearing

Cases are normally held at the employment tribunal office closest to where you worked.

You must take the documents you’re using to support the case.

You cannot claim for expenses for going to the hearing.

What happens at the hearing

You may be asked questions by:

the judge

the claimant

2 other tribunal members (only in certain tribunals)

Get a decision

If you win the case

If you lose the case

If you lose, the tribunal can order you to do certain things depending on the type of case. Examples include:

giving the claimant their job back

paying compensation if you cannot give the claimant their job back

paying witness expenses

paying damages or loss of earnings

Pay compensation

The tribunal usually works out the amount based on the financial loss the person has suffered as a result of your actions.

Interest is calculated from the day the judgment is received, but you will not have to pay interest if you pay the full compensation award within 14 days.

You can be taken to court and forced to pay. You can also be fined and named online by the government if you do not pay.

Pay back state benefits

This is to prevent them from getting paid twice.

The tribunal and the Compensation Recovery Unit will tell you what you need to do and how much to pay.

If you disagree with a tribunal decision

You can ask the tribunal to reconsider the decision if you lose the case.

You must write to the tribunal office within 14 days of getting the decision, saying why you want it to be reconsidered.

You need to give good reasons, such as:

the tribunal made a mistake in the way it reached its decision

you were not told about the hearing

new evidence has turned up since the hearing

Send your letter to the tribunal office that dealt with the case.

Appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal

You can also appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal if you think the employment tribunal made a legal mistake.

Legislation

The Employment Tribunal follows certain rules and processes that you also have to follow.

You can also read other relevant tribunal rules and regulations.

You can also read guidance about specific cases.

You may have to pay compensation or reinstate the claimant if you lose the case.

Being taken to an employment tribunal

Overview

You can be taken to an employment tribunal by an employee or someone else (for example a job applicant or trade union) over various issues, including:

pay

dismissal

discrimination

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

The tribunal is independent of government and will listen to you (the ‘respondent’) and the other party (the ‘claimant’) before making a decision.

Solve the dispute without a hearing

Call Acas for help and advice.

Respond to a claim

online

by filling out and returning the response pack you’re sent

by downloading and filling in the response form and sending it to the tribunal office dealing with the case

Read the response guidance before you fill in the form.

You must respond to the claim within 28 days.

Offer the claimant compensation

You can try to settle the case at any time by offering to pay compensation to the claimant (known as a ‘settlement agreement’).

Get help or legal advice

You may want to get legal advice if a claim is made against you.

Call the employment tribunal enquiry line for general guidance on how the process works. They cannot give you legal advice.

If you’re in Northern Ireland

Your case will be dealt with by the Office of Industrial Tribunals and the Fair Employment Tribunal.

Before the hearing

‘Preliminary hearing’

You may be asked to go to an initial hearing (called a preliminary hearing) with the judge to decide on things like:

the date and time of a hearing

how long the hearing should take

The tribunal will let you know if you’ll have to give evidence or provide any extra information.

Arrange documents

You can ask the claimant for documents that will help you with the case, and they can request documents from you.

Examples of documents include:

a contract of employment

pay slips

details of a pension scheme

notes from relevant meetings

Usually the tribunal will issue an order setting out a timetable for when you should exchange documents.

You’ll be sent a letter telling you how many copies of each document to bring to the hearing.

Organise witnesses

You can bring witnesses to the hearing if they can give evidence directly relevant to the case.

the name and address of the witness

details of what the witness may be able to say and how it will help the case

the reason the witness has refused to attend (if they gave you one)

You’ll most likely be responsible for paying the witness’s expenses.

At the hearing

Cases are normally held at the employment tribunal office closest to where you worked.

You must take the documents you’re using to support the case.

You cannot claim for expenses for going to the hearing.

What happens at the hearing

You may be asked questions by:

the judge

the claimant

2 other tribunal members (only in certain tribunals)

Get a decision

If you win the case

If you lose the case

If you lose, the tribunal can order you to do certain things depending on the type of case. Examples include:

giving the claimant their job back

paying compensation if you cannot give the claimant their job back

paying witness expenses

paying damages or loss of earnings

Pay compensation

The tribunal usually works out the amount based on the financial loss the person has suffered as a result of your actions.

Interest is calculated from the day the judgment is received, but you will not have to pay interest if you pay the full compensation award within 14 days.

You can be taken to court and forced to pay. You can also be fined and named online by the government if you do not pay.

Pay back state benefits

This is to prevent them from getting paid twice.

The tribunal and the Compensation Recovery Unit will tell you what you need to do and how much to pay.

If you disagree with a tribunal decision

You can ask the tribunal to reconsider the decision if you lose the case.

You must write to the tribunal office within 14 days of getting the decision, saying why you want it to be reconsidered.

You need to give good reasons, such as:

the tribunal made a mistake in the way it reached its decision

you were not told about the hearing

new evidence has turned up since the hearing

Send your letter to the tribunal office that dealt with the case.

Appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal

You can also appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal if you think the employment tribunal made a legal mistake.

Legislation

The Employment Tribunal follows certain rules and processes that you also have to follow.

You can also read other relevant tribunal rules and regulations.

You can also read guidance about specific cases.

If you lose, the tribunal can order you to do certain things depending on the type of case. Examples include:

Being taken to an employment tribunal

Overview

You can be taken to an employment tribunal by an employee or someone else (for example a job applicant or trade union) over various issues, including:

pay

dismissal

discrimination

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

The tribunal is independent of government and will listen to you (the ‘respondent’) and the other party (the ‘claimant’) before making a decision.

You may have to pay compensation or reinstate the claimant if you lose the case.

Solve the dispute without a hearing

Call Acas for help and advice.

Respond to a claim

online

by filling out and returning the response pack you’re sent

by downloading and filling in the response form and sending it to the tribunal office dealing with the case

Read the response guidance before you fill in the form.

You must respond to the claim within 28 days.

Offer the claimant compensation

You can try to settle the case at any time by offering to pay compensation to the claimant (known as a ‘settlement agreement’).

Get help or legal advice

You may want to get legal advice if a claim is made against you.

Call the employment tribunal enquiry line for general guidance on how the process works. They cannot give you legal advice.

If you’re in Northern Ireland

Your case will be dealt with by the Office of Industrial Tribunals and the Fair Employment Tribunal.

Before the hearing

‘Preliminary hearing’

You may be asked to go to an initial hearing (called a preliminary hearing) with the judge to decide on things like:

the date and time of a hearing

how long the hearing should take

The tribunal will let you know if you’ll have to give evidence or provide any extra information.

Arrange documents

You can ask the claimant for documents that will help you with the case, and they can request documents from you.

Examples of documents include:

a contract of employment

pay slips

details of a pension scheme

notes from relevant meetings

Usually the tribunal will issue an order setting out a timetable for when you should exchange documents.

You’ll be sent a letter telling you how many copies of each document to bring to the hearing.

Organise witnesses

You can bring witnesses to the hearing if they can give evidence directly relevant to the case.

the name and address of the witness

details of what the witness may be able to say and how it will help the case

the reason the witness has refused to attend (if they gave you one)

You’ll most likely be responsible for paying the witness’s expenses.

At the hearing

Cases are normally held at the employment tribunal office closest to where you worked.

You must take the documents you’re using to support the case.

You cannot claim for expenses for going to the hearing.

What happens at the hearing

You may be asked questions by:

the judge

the claimant

2 other tribunal members (only in certain tribunals)

Get a decision

If you win the case

If you lose the case

If you lose, the tribunal can order you to do certain things depending on the type of case. Examples include:

giving the claimant their job back

paying compensation if you cannot give the claimant their job back

paying witness expenses

paying damages or loss of earnings

Pay compensation

The tribunal usually works out the amount based on the financial loss the person has suffered as a result of your actions.

Interest is calculated from the day the judgment is received, but you will not have to pay interest if you pay the full compensation award within 14 days.

You can be taken to court and forced to pay. You can also be fined and named online by the government if you do not pay.

Pay back state benefits

This is to prevent them from getting paid twice.

The tribunal and the Compensation Recovery Unit will tell you what you need to do and how much to pay.

If you disagree with a tribunal decision

You can ask the tribunal to reconsider the decision if you lose the case.

You must write to the tribunal office within 14 days of getting the decision, saying why you want it to be reconsidered.

You need to give good reasons, such as:

the tribunal made a mistake in the way it reached its decision

you were not told about the hearing

new evidence has turned up since the hearing

Send your letter to the tribunal office that dealt with the case.

Appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal

You can also appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal if you think the employment tribunal made a legal mistake.

Legislation

The Employment Tribunal follows certain rules and processes that you also have to follow.

You can also read other relevant tribunal rules and regulations.

You can also read guidance about specific cases.

paying compensation if you cannot give the claimant their job back

Being taken to an employment tribunal

Overview

You can be taken to an employment tribunal by an employee or someone else (for example a job applicant or trade union) over various issues, including:

pay

dismissal

discrimination

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

The tribunal is independent of government and will listen to you (the ‘respondent’) and the other party (the ‘claimant’) before making a decision.

You may have to pay compensation or reinstate the claimant if you lose the case.

Solve the dispute without a hearing

Call Acas for help and advice.

Respond to a claim

The tribunal will send you a letter (known as a ‘response pack’) if a claim has been made against you and conciliation has not worked. You can respond either:

online

by filling out and returning the response pack you’re sent

by downloading and filling in the response form and sending it to the tribunal office dealing with the case

Read the response guidance before you fill in the form.

You must respond to the claim within 28 days.

Offer the claimant compensation

You can try to settle the case at any time by offering to pay compensation to the claimant (known as a ‘settlement agreement’).

Get help or legal advice

You may want to get legal advice if a claim is made against you.

Call the employment tribunal enquiry line for general guidance on how the process works. They cannot give you legal advice.

If you’re in Northern Ireland

Your case will be dealt with by the Office of Industrial Tribunals and the Fair Employment Tribunal.

Before the hearing

‘Preliminary hearing’

You may be asked to go to an initial hearing (called a preliminary hearing) with the judge to decide on things like:

the date and time of a hearing

how long the hearing should take

The tribunal will let you know if you’ll have to give evidence or provide any extra information.

Arrange documents

You can ask the claimant for documents that will help you with the case, and they can request documents from you.

Examples of documents include:

a contract of employment

pay slips

details of a pension scheme

notes from relevant meetings

Usually the tribunal will issue an order setting out a timetable for when you should exchange documents.

You’ll be sent a letter telling you how many copies of each document to bring to the hearing.

Organise witnesses

You can bring witnesses to the hearing if they can give evidence directly relevant to the case.

the name and address of the witness

details of what the witness may be able to say and how it will help the case

the reason the witness has refused to attend (if they gave you one)

You’ll most likely be responsible for paying the witness’s expenses.

At the hearing

Cases are normally held at the employment tribunal office closest to where you worked.

You must take the documents you’re using to support the case.

You cannot claim for expenses for going to the hearing.

What happens at the hearing

You may be asked questions by:

the judge

the claimant

2 other tribunal members (only in certain tribunals)

Get a decision

If you win the case

If you lose the case

If you lose, the tribunal can order you to do certain things depending on the type of case. Examples include:

giving the claimant their job back

paying compensation if you cannot give the claimant their job back

paying witness expenses

paying damages or loss of earnings

Pay compensation

The tribunal usually works out the amount based on the financial loss the person has suffered as a result of your actions.

Interest is calculated from the day the judgment is received, but you will not have to pay interest if you pay the full compensation award within 14 days.

You can be taken to court and forced to pay. You can also be fined and named online by the government if you do not pay.

Pay back state benefits

This is to prevent them from getting paid twice.

The tribunal and the Compensation Recovery Unit will tell you what you need to do and how much to pay.

If you disagree with a tribunal decision

You can ask the tribunal to reconsider the decision if you lose the case.

You must write to the tribunal office within 14 days of getting the decision, saying why you want it to be reconsidered.

You need to give good reasons, such as:

the tribunal made a mistake in the way it reached its decision

you were not told about the hearing

new evidence has turned up since the hearing

Send your letter to the tribunal office that dealt with the case.

Appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal

You can also appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal if you think the employment tribunal made a legal mistake.

Legislation

The Employment Tribunal follows certain rules and processes that you also have to follow.

You can also read other relevant tribunal rules and regulations.

You can also read guidance about specific cases.

Being taken to an employment tribunal

Overview

You can be taken to an employment tribunal by an employee or someone else (for example a job applicant or trade union) over various issues, including:

pay

dismissal

discrimination

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

The tribunal is independent of government and will listen to you (the ‘respondent’) and the other party (the ‘claimant’) before making a decision.

You may have to pay compensation or reinstate the claimant if you lose the case.

Solve the dispute without a hearing

Call Acas for help and advice.

Respond to a claim

The tribunal will send you a letter (known as a ‘response pack’) if a claim has been made against you and conciliation has not worked. You can respond either:

online

by filling out and returning the response pack you’re sent

by downloading and filling in the response form and sending it to the tribunal office dealing with the case

Read the response guidance before you fill in the form.

You must respond to the claim within 28 days.

Offer the claimant compensation

You can try to settle the case at any time by offering to pay compensation to the claimant (known as a ‘settlement agreement’).

Get help or legal advice

You may want to get legal advice if a claim is made against you.

Call the employment tribunal enquiry line for general guidance on how the process works. They cannot give you legal advice.

If you’re in Northern Ireland

Your case will be dealt with by the Office of Industrial Tribunals and the Fair Employment Tribunal.

Before the hearing

‘Preliminary hearing’

You may be asked to go to an initial hearing (called a preliminary hearing) with the judge to decide on things like:

the date and time of a hearing

how long the hearing should take

The tribunal will let you know if you’ll have to give evidence or provide any extra information.

Arrange documents

You can ask the claimant for documents that will help you with the case, and they can request documents from you.

Examples of documents include:

a contract of employment

pay slips

details of a pension scheme

notes from relevant meetings

Usually the tribunal will issue an order setting out a timetable for when you should exchange documents.

You’ll be sent a letter telling you how many copies of each document to bring to the hearing.

Organise witnesses

You can bring witnesses to the hearing if they can give evidence directly relevant to the case.

the name and address of the witness

details of what the witness may be able to say and how it will help the case

the reason the witness has refused to attend (if they gave you one)

You’ll most likely be responsible for paying the witness’s expenses.

At the hearing

Cases are normally held at the employment tribunal office closest to where you worked.

You must take the documents you’re using to support the case.

You cannot claim for expenses for going to the hearing.

What happens at the hearing

You may be asked questions by:

the judge

the claimant

2 other tribunal members (only in certain tribunals)

Get a decision

If you win the case

If you lose the case

If you lose, the tribunal can order you to do certain things depending on the type of case. Examples include:

giving the claimant their job back

paying compensation if you cannot give the claimant their job back

paying witness expenses

paying damages or loss of earnings

Pay compensation

The tribunal usually works out the amount based on the financial loss the person has suffered as a result of your actions.

Interest is calculated from the day the judgment is received, but you will not have to pay interest if you pay the full compensation award within 14 days.

You can be taken to court and forced to pay. You can also be fined and named online by the government if you do not pay.

Pay back state benefits

This is to prevent them from getting paid twice.

The tribunal and the Compensation Recovery Unit will tell you what you need to do and how much to pay.

If you disagree with a tribunal decision

You can ask the tribunal to reconsider the decision if you lose the case.

You must write to the tribunal office within 14 days of getting the decision, saying why you want it to be reconsidered.

You need to give good reasons, such as:

the tribunal made a mistake in the way it reached its decision

you were not told about the hearing

new evidence has turned up since the hearing

Send your letter to the tribunal office that dealt with the case.

Appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal

You can also appeal to the Employment Appeal Tribunal if you think the employment tribunal made a legal mistake.

Legislation

The Employment Tribunal follows certain rules and processes that you also have to follow.

You can also read other relevant tribunal rules and regulations.

You can also read guidance about specific cases.


I live without a spleen, and therefore I am classed as clinically vulnerable to COVID-19. I live in Devon, and would still like to volunteer with my local community aid group. Can I volunteer outside of my home, despite being at high-risk for COVID-19?

You can volunteer during coronavirus (COVID-19) with an organisation or group. You can also help people in your local area by doing things like picking up shopping or medicines.

Volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Overview

You may be able to volunteer:

from home

from outside your home

in a workplace

A new COVID-19 variant is spreading in some parts of England. Check what you can and cannot do if you’re in an area where the new variant is spreading.

This guidance is for volunteers in England. There’s different guidance on:

volunteering in Scotland

volunteering in Wales

volunteering in Northern Ireland

If you run an organisation or group, or manage volunteers, find out how to involve volunteers safely.

Where you can volunteer

You should volunteer from home where possible.

Follow guidance on volunteering with other people if you have to volunteer outside your home. Do not leave home if:

you’ve been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace

you’re self-isolating for any other reason

If you’re volunteering in a workplace, it should follow guidance on working safely during COVID-19.

If you’re at high risk from COVID-19

You can volunteer outside your home, if you’re at high risk from COVID-19 (clinically extremely vulnerable), but you should take extra steps to protect yourself. For example, reduce:

your social interactions

the time you spend in places where you cannot social distance

If you have COVID-19 symptoms

Do not volunteer outside your home if you have COVID-19 symptoms or if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19.

You must self-isolate from the date you started having symptoms or from the day you tested positive and for the next 10 full days - whichever is the latest.

If you’re self-isolating your volunteer organisation should not ask you to leave home.

If you need to travel as a volunteer

Find out how to travel safely if you’re volunteering in England.

Check COVID-19 guidance in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland before you travel, if you need to volunteer in one of these countries.

Before volunteering abroad:

check if the country you’re going to is accepting volunteers - read foreign travel advice to find out where you can go

read the guidance on travelling abroad during COVID-19

check if your volunteering role means you’re exempt from travel restrictions

check the rules you must follow when you return to England

Ways to volunteer

You can volunteer during coronavirus (COVID-19) with an organisation or group, for example a charity, the NHS or a local volunteer-run group.

Find out about volunteering with a charity or voluntary organisation.

Check if your local council has volunteering opportunities.

You should choose your volunteering activity based on your risk of getting seriously ill with COVID-19.

Volunteer with the NHS

If you want to help the NHS as a general volunteer, apply for the NHS volunteer responder scheme. You’ll need to check if the scheme is recruiting in your area.

To volunteer in a hospital, including if you’re a doctor or nurse, contact your local hospital trust.

If you want to give blood, read the guidance about donating blood during COVID-19.

You can also sign up to the NHS COVID-19 vaccine registry if you want to take part in a COVID-19 vaccine research study.

Help people in your local area

You can help others by doing activities like picking up shopping and offering support on the phone. This includes:

family, friends and neighbours who are at high risk from COVID-19 or who prefer not to go out

people who are feeling lonely or isolated

staff and volunteers in key worker roles

You can also join a mutual aid group. A mutual aid group is a local volunteer-run initiative where people come together to help each other.

Protect those you help

If you’re worried about someone’s health, contact the NHS or check NHS COVID-19 advice online.

If you’re helping someone who’s staying at home, you should follow social distancing guidelines if you do have to go indoors.

It may not always be possible to follow social distancing guidelines, for example if you’re providing personal care to someone. You should consider whether the activity is essential and follow working safely guidance.

If you’re helping someone who’s not a friend or family member

You should show identification when you call at their home.

You should not:

ask for their credit or debit card numbers, or other financial information

take their address and phone number, unless you need it to do a task

pressure them into giving you any unnecessary information

You can find out how to help others safely on the British Red Cross website.

Contact the police if you think someone you’re helping is being abused or neglected. Phone 999 in an emergency or 101 if the person is not in immediate danger.

Volunteering with other people

When you volunteer, you can meet in groups of any size from different households, both indoors or outdoors. However, meeting in smaller groups can reduce the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading.

You can also meet in groups for activities like volunteer recruitment and training. This does not include meeting in groups for social activities.

The organisation or group of volunteers running the activities should follow guidance on working safely during COVID-19.

As a volunteer, you should:

follow social distancing guidelines

wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds

wear a face covering indoors

make sure indoor spaces are well ventilated with fresh air

In some volunteering roles, it may not be possible for you to follow social distancing guidelines. For example, driving a vehicle with others in it. You should consider whether the activity is essential before doing it and follow the guidance on working safely during COVID-19.

Volunteering in a support group

You can volunteer in a support group. Support groups should provide mutual aid, therapy or another form of support.

There cannot be more than 30 people in the support group itself. Children under 5 are not included in this limit. There’s no limit to the number of volunteers.

For example, 5 volunteers could support up to 30 people in a group session, to make a group of 35 in total.

Formal support groups must not be run from private homes.

Testing and vaccination

Find out how to get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you volunteer in an essential role and have COVID-19 symptoms, you’ll be prioritised for a test.

Who can get a vaccine

You can get vaccinated if you’re a volunteer in an eligible group. This includes volunteers in frontline health and social care roles.

If you qualify for a vaccine because of your age or a clinical condition, you’ll be vaccinated at the same time as other people in your area.

The NHS will let you know when you can get a vaccine and how to get it.

Overview

You may be able to volunteer:

from home

from outside your home

in a workplace

This guidance is for volunteers in England. There’s different guidance on:

volunteering in Scotland

volunteering in Wales

volunteering in Northern Ireland

If you run an organisation or group, or manage volunteers, find out how to involve volunteers safely.

Where you can volunteer

You should volunteer from home where possible.

Follow guidance on volunteering with other people if you have to volunteer outside your home. Do not leave home if:

you’ve been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace

you’re self-isolating for any other reason

If you’re volunteering in a workplace, it should follow guidance on working safely during COVID-19.

If you’re at high risk from COVID-19

your social interactions

the time you spend in places where you cannot social distance

If you have COVID-19 symptoms

Do not volunteer outside your home if you have COVID-19 symptoms or if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19.

If you’re self-isolating your volunteer organisation should not ask you to leave home.

If you need to travel as a volunteer

Find out how to travel safely if you’re volunteering in England.

Check COVID-19 guidance in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland before you travel, if you need to volunteer in one of these countries.

Before volunteering abroad:

check if the country you’re going to is accepting volunteers - read foreign travel advice to find out where you can go

read the guidance on travelling abroad during COVID-19

check if your volunteering role means you’re exempt from travel restrictions

check the rules you must follow when you return to England

Ways to volunteer

Find out about volunteering with a charity or voluntary organisation.

Check if your local council has volunteering opportunities.

You should choose your volunteering activity based on your risk of getting seriously ill with COVID-19.

Volunteer with the NHS

To volunteer in a hospital, including if you’re a doctor or nurse, contact your local hospital trust.

If you want to give blood, read the guidance about donating blood during COVID-19.

You can also sign up to the NHS COVID-19 vaccine registry if you want to take part in a COVID-19 vaccine research study.

Help people in your local area

You can help others by doing activities like picking up shopping and offering support on the phone. This includes:

family, friends and neighbours who are at high risk from COVID-19 or who prefer not to go out

people who are feeling lonely or isolated

staff and volunteers in key worker roles

You can also join a mutual aid group. A mutual aid group is a local volunteer-run initiative where people come together to help each other.

Protect those you help

If you’re worried about someone’s health, contact the NHS or check NHS COVID-19 advice online.

If you’re helping someone who’s staying at home, you should follow social distancing guidelines if you do have to go indoors.

If you’re helping someone who’s not a friend or family member

You should show identification when you call at their home.

You should not:

ask for their credit or debit card numbers, or other financial information

take their address and phone number, unless you need it to do a task

pressure them into giving you any unnecessary information

You can find out how to help others safely on the British Red Cross website.

Volunteering with other people

The organisation or group of volunteers running the activities should follow guidance on working safely during COVID-19.

As a volunteer, you should:

follow social distancing guidelines

wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds

wear a face covering indoors

make sure indoor spaces are well ventilated with fresh air

Volunteering in a support group

You can volunteer in a support group. Support groups should provide mutual aid, therapy or another form of support.

For example, 5 volunteers could support up to 30 people in a group session, to make a group of 35 in total.

Formal support groups must not be run from private homes.

Testing and vaccination

Find out how to get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you volunteer in an essential role and have COVID-19 symptoms, you’ll be prioritised for a test.

Who can get a vaccine

You can get vaccinated if you’re a volunteer in an eligible group. This includes volunteers in frontline health and social care roles.

The NHS will let you know when you can get a vaccine and how to get it.

your social interactions

Overview

You may be able to volunteer:

from home

from outside your home

in a workplace

This guidance is for volunteers in England. There’s different guidance on:

volunteering in Scotland

volunteering in Wales

volunteering in Northern Ireland

If you run an organisation or group, or manage volunteers, find out how to involve volunteers safely.

Where you can volunteer

You should volunteer from home where possible.

Follow guidance on volunteering with other people if you have to volunteer outside your home. Do not leave home if:

you’ve been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace

you’re self-isolating for any other reason

If you’re volunteering in a workplace, it should follow guidance on working safely during COVID-19.

If you’re at high risk from COVID-19

your social interactions

the time you spend in places where you cannot social distance

If you have COVID-19 symptoms

Do not volunteer outside your home if you have COVID-19 symptoms or if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19.

If you’re self-isolating your volunteer organisation should not ask you to leave home.

If you need to travel as a volunteer

Find out how to travel safely if you’re volunteering in England.

Check COVID-19 guidance in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland before you travel, if you need to volunteer in one of these countries.

Before volunteering abroad:

check if the country you’re going to is accepting volunteers - read foreign travel advice to find out where you can go

read the guidance on travelling abroad during COVID-19

check if your volunteering role means you’re exempt from travel restrictions

check the rules you must follow when you return to England

Ways to volunteer

Find out about volunteering with a charity or voluntary organisation.

Check if your local council has volunteering opportunities.

You should choose your volunteering activity based on your risk of getting seriously ill with COVID-19.

Volunteer with the NHS

To volunteer in a hospital, including if you’re a doctor or nurse, contact your local hospital trust.

If you want to give blood, read the guidance about donating blood during COVID-19.

You can also sign up to the NHS COVID-19 vaccine registry if you want to take part in a COVID-19 vaccine research study.

Help people in your local area

You can help others by doing activities like picking up shopping and offering support on the phone. This includes:

family, friends and neighbours who are at high risk from COVID-19 or who prefer not to go out

people who are feeling lonely or isolated

staff and volunteers in key worker roles

You can also join a mutual aid group. A mutual aid group is a local volunteer-run initiative where people come together to help each other.

Protect those you help

If you’re worried about someone’s health, contact the NHS or check NHS COVID-19 advice online.

If you’re helping someone who’s staying at home, you should follow social distancing guidelines if you do have to go indoors.

If you’re helping someone who’s not a friend or family member

You should show identification when you call at their home.

You should not:

ask for their credit or debit card numbers, or other financial information

take their address and phone number, unless you need it to do a task

pressure them into giving you any unnecessary information

You can find out how to help others safely on the British Red Cross website.

Volunteering with other people

The organisation or group of volunteers running the activities should follow guidance on working safely during COVID-19.

As a volunteer, you should:

follow social distancing guidelines

wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds

wear a face covering indoors

make sure indoor spaces are well ventilated with fresh air

Volunteering in a support group

You can volunteer in a support group. Support groups should provide mutual aid, therapy or another form of support.

For example, 5 volunteers could support up to 30 people in a group session, to make a group of 35 in total.

Formal support groups must not be run from private homes.

Testing and vaccination

Find out how to get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you volunteer in an essential role and have COVID-19 symptoms, you’ll be prioritised for a test.

Who can get a vaccine

You can get vaccinated if you’re a volunteer in an eligible group. This includes volunteers in frontline health and social care roles.

The NHS will let you know when you can get a vaccine and how to get it.

the time you spend in places where you cannot social distance

Overview

You may be able to volunteer:

from home

from outside your home

in a workplace

This guidance is for volunteers in England. There’s different guidance on:

volunteering in Scotland

volunteering in Wales

volunteering in Northern Ireland

If you run an organisation or group, or manage volunteers, find out how to involve volunteers safely.

Where you can volunteer

You should volunteer from home where possible.

Follow guidance on volunteering with other people if you have to volunteer outside your home. Do not leave home if:

you’ve been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace

you’re self-isolating for any other reason

If you’re volunteering in a workplace, it should follow guidance on working safely during COVID-19.

If you’re at high risk from COVID-19

your social interactions

If you have COVID-19 symptoms

Do not volunteer outside your home if you have COVID-19 symptoms or if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19.

If you’re self-isolating your volunteer organisation should not ask you to leave home.

If you need to travel as a volunteer

Find out how to travel safely if you’re volunteering in England.

Check COVID-19 guidance in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland before you travel, if you need to volunteer in one of these countries.

Before volunteering abroad:

check if the country you’re going to is accepting volunteers - read foreign travel advice to find out where you can go

read the guidance on travelling abroad during COVID-19

check if your volunteering role means you’re exempt from travel restrictions

check the rules you must follow when you return to England

Ways to volunteer

Find out about volunteering with a charity or voluntary organisation.

Check if your local council has volunteering opportunities.

You should choose your volunteering activity based on your risk of getting seriously ill with COVID-19.

Volunteer with the NHS

To volunteer in a hospital, including if you’re a doctor or nurse, contact your local hospital trust.

If you want to give blood, read the guidance about donating blood during COVID-19.

You can also sign up to the NHS COVID-19 vaccine registry if you want to take part in a COVID-19 vaccine research study.

Help people in your local area

You can help others by doing activities like picking up shopping and offering support on the phone. This includes:

family, friends and neighbours who are at high risk from COVID-19 or who prefer not to go out

people who are feeling lonely or isolated

staff and volunteers in key worker roles

You can also join a mutual aid group. A mutual aid group is a local volunteer-run initiative where people come together to help each other.

Protect those you help

If you’re worried about someone’s health, contact the NHS or check NHS COVID-19 advice online.

If you’re helping someone who’s staying at home, you should follow social distancing guidelines if you do have to go indoors.

If you’re helping someone who’s not a friend or family member

You should show identification when you call at their home.

You should not:

ask for their credit or debit card numbers, or other financial information

take their address and phone number, unless you need it to do a task

pressure them into giving you any unnecessary information

You can find out how to help others safely on the British Red Cross website.

Volunteering with other people

The organisation or group of volunteers running the activities should follow guidance on working safely during COVID-19.

As a volunteer, you should:

follow social distancing guidelines

wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds

wear a face covering indoors

make sure indoor spaces are well ventilated with fresh air

Volunteering in a support group

You can volunteer in a support group. Support groups should provide mutual aid, therapy or another form of support.

For example, 5 volunteers could support up to 30 people in a group session, to make a group of 35 in total.

Formal support groups must not be run from private homes.

Testing and vaccination

Find out how to get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you volunteer in an essential role and have COVID-19 symptoms, you’ll be prioritised for a test.

Who can get a vaccine

You can get vaccinated if you’re a volunteer in an eligible group. This includes volunteers in frontline health and social care roles.

The NHS will let you know when you can get a vaccine and how to get it.

Overview

You may be able to volunteer:

from home

from outside your home

in a workplace

This guidance is for volunteers in England. There’s different guidance on:

volunteering in Scotland

volunteering in Wales

volunteering in Northern Ireland

If you run an organisation or group, or manage volunteers, find out how to involve volunteers safely.

Where you can volunteer

You should volunteer from home where possible.

Follow guidance on volunteering with other people if you have to volunteer outside your home. Do not leave home if:

you’ve been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace

you’re self-isolating for any other reason

If you’re volunteering in a workplace, it should follow guidance on working safely during COVID-19.

If you’re at high risk from COVID-19

your social interactions

the time you spend in places where you cannot social distance

If you have COVID-19 symptoms

Do not volunteer outside your home if you have COVID-19 symptoms or if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19.

If you’re self-isolating your volunteer organisation should not ask you to leave home.

If you need to travel as a volunteer

Find out how to travel safely if you’re volunteering in England.

Check COVID-19 guidance in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland before you travel, if you need to volunteer in one of these countries.

Before volunteering abroad:

check if the country you’re going to is accepting volunteers - read foreign travel advice to find out where you can go

read the guidance on travelling abroad during COVID-19

check if your volunteering role means you’re exempt from travel restrictions

check the rules you must follow when you return to England

Ways to volunteer

You can volunteer during coronavirus (COVID-19) with an organisation or group, for example a charity, the NHS or a local volunteer-run group.

Find out about volunteering with a charity or voluntary organisation.

Check if your local council has volunteering opportunities.

You should choose your volunteering activity based on your risk of getting seriously ill with COVID-19.

Volunteer with the NHS

To volunteer in a hospital, including if you’re a doctor or nurse, contact your local hospital trust.

If you want to give blood, read the guidance about donating blood during COVID-19.

You can also sign up to the NHS COVID-19 vaccine registry if you want to take part in a COVID-19 vaccine research study.

Help people in your local area

You can help others by doing activities like picking up shopping and offering support on the phone. This includes:

family, friends and neighbours who are at high risk from COVID-19 or who prefer not to go out

people who are feeling lonely or isolated

staff and volunteers in key worker roles

You can also join a mutual aid group. A mutual aid group is a local volunteer-run initiative where people come together to help each other.

Protect those you help

If you’re worried about someone’s health, contact the NHS or check NHS COVID-19 advice online.

If you’re helping someone who’s staying at home, you should follow social distancing guidelines if you do have to go indoors.

If you’re helping someone who’s not a friend or family member

You should show identification when you call at their home.

You should not:

ask for their credit or debit card numbers, or other financial information

take their address and phone number, unless you need it to do a task

pressure them into giving you any unnecessary information

You can find out how to help others safely on the British Red Cross website.

Volunteering with other people

The organisation or group of volunteers running the activities should follow guidance on working safely during COVID-19.

As a volunteer, you should:

follow social distancing guidelines

wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds

wear a face covering indoors

make sure indoor spaces are well ventilated with fresh air

Volunteering in a support group

You can volunteer in a support group. Support groups should provide mutual aid, therapy or another form of support.

For example, 5 volunteers could support up to 30 people in a group session, to make a group of 35 in total.

Formal support groups must not be run from private homes.

Testing and vaccination

Find out how to get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you volunteer in an essential role and have COVID-19 symptoms, you’ll be prioritised for a test.

Who can get a vaccine

You can get vaccinated if you’re a volunteer in an eligible group. This includes volunteers in frontline health and social care roles.

If you qualify for a vaccine because of your age or a clinical condition, you’ll be vaccinated at the same time as other people in your area.

The NHS will let you know when you can get a vaccine and how to get it.


My 30 years old brother is a security guard and works full time . His work is very demading such that he can’t have breaks in between.He does surveillance role. Can he qualify for a compensatory  rest?

Workers may be entitled to ‘compensatory rest’ if they don’t have the right to specific rest breaks. Compensatory rest breaks are the same length of time as the break (or part of it) that they’ve missed.

Rest breaks at work

Overview

Workers over 18 are usually entitled to 3 types of break - rest breaks at work, daily rest and weekly rest.

Rest breaks at work

Workers have the right to one uninterrupted 20 minute rest break during their working day, if they work more than 6 hours a day. This could be a tea or lunch break.

The break doesn’t have to be paid - it depends on their employment contract.

Daily rest

Workers have the right to 11 hours rest between working days, eg if they finish work at 8pm, they shouldn’t start work again until 7am the next day.

Weekly rest

Workers have the right to either:

an uninterrupted 24 hours without any work each week

an uninterrupted 48 hours without any work each fortnight

A worker’s employment contract may say they’re entitled to more or different rights to breaks from work.

Work that puts health and safety at risk

An employer should give an employee enough breaks to make sure their health and safety isn’t at risk if that work is ‘monotonous’ (eg work on a production line).

Domestic workers in a private house (eg a cleaner or au pair) aren’t entitled to rest breaks for health and safety reasons.

Taking breaks

Employers can say when employees take rest breaks during work time as long as:

the break is taken in one go somewhere in the middle of the day (not at the beginning or end)

workers are allowed to spend it away from their desk or workstation (ie away from where they actually work)

It doesn’t count as a rest break if an employer says an employee should go back to work before their break is finished.

Unless a worker’s employment contract says so, they don’t have the right to:

take smoking breaks

get paid for rest breaks

Exceptions and special circumstances

There are exemptions to the rights to rest breaks.

Some workers are entitled to compensatory rest breaks, eg shift workers.

Young people and lorry and coach drivers have different rights to rest breaks.

Compensatory rest

A worker may be entitled to compensatory rest if:

they’re a shift worker and can’t take daily or weekly rest breaks between ending one shift and starting another

their workplace is a long way from their home (eg an oil rig)

they work in different places which are a reasonable distance from each other

they’re doing security and surveillance-based work

they’re working in an industry which is very busy at certain times of the year – like agriculture, retail, postal services or tourism

they need to work because there’s an exceptional event, an accident or a risk that an accident is about to happen

the job needs round-the-clock staffing so there aren’t interruptions to any services or production (eg hospital work)

they work in the rail industry on board trains or their job is linked to making sure trains run on time

their working day is split up (eg they’re a cleaner and work for part of the morning and the evening)

there is an agreement between management, trade unions or the workforce (a ‘collective’ or ‘workforce’ agreement) that has changed or removed rights to these rest breaks for a group of workers

The total rest entitlement for a week is 90 hours a week on average - this doesn’t include breaks at work, which are additional.

Exceptions

Workers aren’t entitled to the 3 general types of rest break if they work in:

the armed forces, emergency services or police and they’re dealing with an exceptional catastrophe or disaster

a job where they freely choose what hours they work (like a managing director) or where the work is not measured (ie no set hours)

sea transport

air or road transport (known as ‘mobile’ workers)

Air, sea or road transport workers may be covered by special rules that give them different rest rights.

Mobile workers not covered by any special rules usually have the right to regular rest so that their health and safety (or anyone else’s) isn’t put at risk.

There are also special rules for young workers and for lorry and coach drivers.

Young workers

Young workers (above school leaving age and under 18) are usually entitled to:

a 30 minute rest break if they work more than 4.5 hours (if possible this should be one continuous break)

daily rest of 12 hours

weekly rest of 48 hours

Exceptions for young workers

Young workers sometimes aren’t entitled to daily rest or rest breaks at work if their work has to be done because of an exceptional event (eg an accident). This is only where:

there isn’t a worker over 18 who can do the work

the work is temporary and must be done immediately

Compensatory rest for young workers

Young workers have the right to compensatory rest if they’re not entitled to daily rest or rest breaks at work. This is the same amount of rest that they should have had. It can be taken just after any rest they’ve missed but it must be taken within the following 3 weeks.

Disputes

Workers who can’t take or aren’t allowed rest breaks should speak to their manager informally.

Get more information for employees who want to raise a grievance or advice for employers on handling grievances if there is a disagreement about rest breaks.

Workers can also get advice on rest breaks from the Acas helpline.

If a worker can’t solve a problem, they may be able to make a claim to an employment tribunal.

A worker may be entitled to compensatory rest if:

Rest breaks at work

Overview

Rest breaks at work

The break doesn’t have to be paid - it depends on their employment contract.

Daily rest

Weekly rest

Workers have the right to either:

an uninterrupted 24 hours without any work each week

an uninterrupted 48 hours without any work each fortnight

A worker’s employment contract may say they’re entitled to more or different rights to breaks from work.

Work that puts health and safety at risk

Taking breaks

Employers can say when employees take rest breaks during work time as long as:

the break is taken in one go somewhere in the middle of the day (not at the beginning or end)

Unless a worker’s employment contract says so, they don’t have the right to:

take smoking breaks

get paid for rest breaks

Exceptions and special circumstances

There are exemptions to the rights to rest breaks.

Some workers are entitled to compensatory rest breaks, eg shift workers.

Young people and lorry and coach drivers have different rights to rest breaks.

Compensatory rest

A worker may be entitled to compensatory rest if:

their workplace is a long way from their home (eg an oil rig)

they work in different places which are a reasonable distance from each other

they’re doing security and surveillance-based work

they work in the rail industry on board trains or their job is linked to making sure trains run on time

their working day is split up (eg they’re a cleaner and work for part of the morning and the evening)

Exceptions

Workers aren’t entitled to the 3 general types of rest break if they work in:

sea transport

air or road transport (known as ‘mobile’ workers)

Air, sea or road transport workers may be covered by special rules that give them different rest rights.

There are also special rules for young workers and for lorry and coach drivers.

Young workers

Young workers (above school leaving age and under 18) are usually entitled to:

daily rest of 12 hours

weekly rest of 48 hours

Exceptions for young workers

there isn’t a worker over 18 who can do the work

the work is temporary and must be done immediately

Compensatory rest for young workers

Disputes

Workers who can’t take or aren’t allowed rest breaks should speak to their manager informally.

Workers can also get advice on rest breaks from the Acas helpline.

If a worker can’t solve a problem, they may be able to make a claim to an employment tribunal.

they’re doing security and surveillance-based work

Rest breaks at work

Overview

Rest breaks at work

The break doesn’t have to be paid - it depends on their employment contract.

Daily rest

Weekly rest

Workers have the right to either:

an uninterrupted 24 hours without any work each week

an uninterrupted 48 hours without any work each fortnight

A worker’s employment contract may say they’re entitled to more or different rights to breaks from work.

Work that puts health and safety at risk

Taking breaks

Employers can say when employees take rest breaks during work time as long as:

the break is taken in one go somewhere in the middle of the day (not at the beginning or end)

Unless a worker’s employment contract says so, they don’t have the right to:

take smoking breaks

get paid for rest breaks

Exceptions and special circumstances

There are exemptions to the rights to rest breaks.

Some workers are entitled to compensatory rest breaks, eg shift workers.

Young people and lorry and coach drivers have different rights to rest breaks.

Compensatory rest

A worker may be entitled to compensatory rest if:

their workplace is a long way from their home (eg an oil rig)

they work in different places which are a reasonable distance from each other

they’re doing security and surveillance-based work

they work in the rail industry on board trains or their job is linked to making sure trains run on time

their working day is split up (eg they’re a cleaner and work for part of the morning and the evening)

Exceptions

Workers aren’t entitled to the 3 general types of rest break if they work in:

sea transport

air or road transport (known as ‘mobile’ workers)

Air, sea or road transport workers may be covered by special rules that give them different rest rights.

There are also special rules for young workers and for lorry and coach drivers.

Young workers

Young workers (above school leaving age and under 18) are usually entitled to:

daily rest of 12 hours

weekly rest of 48 hours

Exceptions for young workers

there isn’t a worker over 18 who can do the work

the work is temporary and must be done immediately

Compensatory rest for young workers

Disputes

Workers who can’t take or aren’t allowed rest breaks should speak to their manager informally.

Workers can also get advice on rest breaks from the Acas helpline.

If a worker can’t solve a problem, they may be able to make a claim to an employment tribunal.


I have a disability and I have recently bought a new vehicle. I am unsure about how much tax I should be paying. Do I have to pay for tax? How much will I pay if I have to?

You will not have to pay vehicle tax or will pay a lower rate if it’s being used by:

Change your vehicle's tax class

Vehicle changes that affect tax

If you make changes to your vehicle it could affect:

how much vehicle tax you pay

your vehicle’s tax class

Changes that affect your vehicle include:

the engine size (cc)

the fuel type

the weight (goods vehicles only)

the number of seats (buses only)

what you use the vehicle for, for example using a minibus for profit

a disabled person

an organisation providing transport for disabled people

How to change your vehicle’s tax class

How you change your vehicle’s tax class depends on if:

the tax is due to run out (you’ve had a reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter)

the tax is not due to run out

you’re changing whether or not the vehicle is exempt from vehicle tax, for example changing a car into or out of the disabled tax class

Work out the new tax rate

You need to work out if you’ll need to pay more tax because of the change.

Find out the new rate of vehicle tax.

Work out the difference between the old and new rates of your vehicle tax. For example, if the old rate is £100 and the new rate is £130, the difference is £30.

Divide the difference by the number of months you pay your tax over. For example, £30 divided by 12 months is £2.50.

Multiply this by the number of months remaining on the tax. For example, £2.50 multiplied by 4 months is £10.

Pay the extra vehicle tax. In this example you would need to pay £10 extra tax.

If the tax rate increases

You have to pay the increased rate from the first day of the month you change the tax rate in.

If the tax rate decreases

You pay the decreased rate from the first day of the next month.

Tax is not due to run out

Use form V70 to change your vehicle’s tax class if the tax is not due to run out.

You apply a different way if you’ve had a reminder letter or ‘last chance’ warning letter.

What to send

Send the form to DVLA with:

the V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book) with any changes marked on it

a cheque or postal order made payable to ‘DVLA, Swansea’ for any extra vehicle tax you have to pay - damaged or altered cheques will not be accepted

a current MOT certificate (if your vehicle needs one)

written proof if you’ve decreased engine size or changed fuel type, for example a new engine receipt or letter from the garage that made the change

an insurance certificate or cover note (only in Northern Ireland)

If you do not have the V5C, download and fill in a V62 form. Send it to DVLA with the £25 fee.

Lorries and buses

You also need to send the following if they’re required for your vehicle:

a plating or weight certificate

for buses only - a certificate of initial fitness, certificate of conformity or equivalent PSV401, PSV408, PDV500 or PSV506

What happens next

You’ll get a confirmation from DVLA that the change has been made.

DVLA will send you an updated V5C.

You’ll get a refund if you’re due one. It will take longer than usual to send your refund because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

You can still use your vehicle while your application is being processed.

Tax is due to run out or changing if the vehicle is exempt

Change your vehicle’s tax class at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax if either:

the vehicle tax is due to run out (you’ve had a reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter)

you’re changing whether a vehicle is exempt from vehicle tax or not, for example, it’s being used by a disabled person

If you’re eligible for a vehicle tax reduction because you’re disabled, you need to apply by post to DVLA.

What to take to the Post Office

Vehicle registration documents

Take the V5C registration certificate (log book) in your name.

If you do not have one, you’ll need:

a completed application for a new registration certificate - either download form V62 or get it from the Post Office

your ‘new keeper’ slip, if you’ve just bought the vehicle

A new registration certificate is free if you have a ‘new keeper’ slip. Otherwise the cost is £25.

Other documents

You must also take:

your vehicle tax reminder letter (V11) if you have one

an MOT certificate that’s valid when the tax starts, or evidence if your vehicle’s exempt from an MOT (V112)

evidence of any eligibility for a disability exemption

payment for vehicle tax (if you have to pay for your new tax class)

an insurance certificate or cover note (only in Northern Ireland)

If you drive a lorry or bus, you also need to take the vehicle’s latest annual test certificate or exemption (V112G).

What happens next

The Post Office sends your V5C, new keeper slip or V62 to DVLA.

DVLA will send you an updated V5C.

DVLA will send you a refund if you’re due one. It will take longer than usual to send your refund because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

a disabled person

Change your vehicle's tax class

Vehicle changes that affect tax

If you make changes to your vehicle it could affect:

how much vehicle tax you pay

your vehicle’s tax class

Changes that affect your vehicle include:

the engine size (cc)

the fuel type

the weight (goods vehicles only)

the number of seats (buses only)

a disabled person

an organisation providing transport for disabled people

How to change your vehicle’s tax class

How you change your vehicle’s tax class depends on if:

the tax is not due to run out

Work out the new tax rate

Find out the new rate of vehicle tax.

If the tax rate increases

If the tax rate decreases

You pay the decreased rate from the first day of the next month.

Tax is not due to run out

What to send

Send the form to DVLA with:

a current MOT certificate (if your vehicle needs one)

an insurance certificate or cover note (only in Northern Ireland)

Lorries and buses

a plating or weight certificate

What happens next

You’ll get a confirmation from DVLA that the change has been made.

DVLA will send you an updated V5C.

Tax is due to run out or changing if the vehicle is exempt

What to take to the Post Office

Vehicle registration documents

Take the V5C registration certificate (log book) in your name.

If you do not have one, you’ll need:

your ‘new keeper’ slip, if you’ve just bought the vehicle

Other documents

You must also take:

your vehicle tax reminder letter (V11) if you have one

evidence of any eligibility for a disability exemption

an insurance certificate or cover note (only in Northern Ireland)

What happens next

The Post Office sends your V5C, new keeper slip or V62 to DVLA.

You’ll get a confirmation from DVLA that the change has been made.

DVLA will send you an updated V5C.


I am a 16 year old living in Derby and was born male, I do not feel like I fit into any gender category. What age can I apply for a certificate?

Apply by the standard route if all the following are true:

Apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate

Overview

Apply to the Gender Recognition Panel for a Gender Recognition Certificate if you want your acquired gender to be legally recognised in the UK.

There are 3 different ways (‘routes’) to get a certificate - which one you use depends on your situation.

Read the full guidance before you apply.

Standard route

you’re 18 or over

you’ve been diagnosed with gender dysphoria (discomfort with your birth gender) - this is also called gender identity disorder, gender incongruence or transsexualism

you’ve lived in your acquired gender for at least 2 years

you intend to live in your acquired gender for the rest of your life

Alternative route

Apply by the alternative route if all the following are true:

you’re 18 or over

you’ve been diagnosed with gender dysphoria or had surgery to change your sexual characteristics

you live in England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland most of the time

you’re in (or have been in) a protected marriage or protected civil partnership before 10 December 2014 (16 December 2014 for Scottish marriages and civil partnerships)

you’ve lived in your acquired gender for at least 6 years before 10 December 2014 (16 December 2014 for Scottish marriages and civil partnerships)

A marriage or civil partnership is protected if it’s one of the following:

registered under the law of England, Wales or Northern Ireland

a marriage solemnised in Scotland

a civil partnership registered in Scotland

a marriage registered under the law of a country or territory outside the UK

a marriage on UK consular premises or in an armed forces base, if you elected England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland as the relevant part of the UK

Overseas route

Apply by the overseas route if your acquired gender has been legally accepted in an ‘approved country or territory’ and you have documents to prove it.

You must be 18 or over.

Help you can get

You can get information, advice and support from a number of voluntary organisations - you can find a list on page 21 of the full guidance.

You can also contact Citizens Advice or find a legal adviser.

If you're married or in a civil partnership

If you’re married

You can stay married if you apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate.

You and your spouse must fill in a statutory declaration saying you both agree to stay married.

You’ll get an ‘interim certificate’ if you or your spouse do not want to remain married, or if your spouse does not fill in a statutory declaration. You can use the interim certificate as grounds to end the marriage.

If your marriage is registered in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and you have an interim certificate, you’ll only get a full certificate once you end your marriage.

If your marriage was registered in Scotland, you can use an interim certificate to apply to the sheriff court for a full certificate. You do not need to end your marriage first.

Contact the administrative team at the Gender Recognition Panel if either you or your spouse change your mind about staying married during the application process.

If you’re in a civil partnership

You can stay in your civil partnership if it was registered in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Your partner must fill in a statutory declaration saying they agree to stay in a civil partnership with you. Contact the Gender Recognition Panel for help with filling in the declaration.

You’ll get an ‘interim certificate’ if your partner does not fill in a statutory declaration.

Civil partnerships registered in Scotland

If your civil partnership was registered in Scotland, you must end it or convert your civil partnership to marriage.

If you decide to convert your civil partnership into a marriage you must do it before you apply to the Gender Recognition Panel.

If you’re still in a civil partnership when you apply to the Gender Recognition Panel, you’ll get an ‘interim certificate’. You must end the civil partnership before you can get a full certificate.

How to apply

Download and fill in the right form for your application.

| Form | Guidance

Standard route | Form T450 | Leaflet T451

Alternative route | Form T464 | Leaflet T465

Overseas route | Form T453 | Leaflet T454

Send the completed form with your fee and any supporting documents relevant to your application.

Fees

It costs £5 to apply. You can apply for help paying the fee if you’re getting certain benefits or on a low income.

Get help with your application

Contact the administrative team at the Gender Recognition Panel for advice on the application process.

Documents you must provide

You must send certain documents when you apply, depending on which application route you use and whether you’ve ever been married or in a civil partnership.

You might need to send original documents - you’ll get them back after the Gender Recognition Panel has looked at your application. You will not get any statutory declarations back.

For all application routes, you must download and fill in the relevant statutory declaration for:

single people

married people or civil partners

If you’ve ever been married or in a civil partnership

For all application routes you must provide the following (if relevant):

an original or certified copy of your marriage or civil partnership certificate

a copy of the decree ending your marriage or proof that any previous civil partnership has been dissolved

a copy of your spouse’s death certificate

If you want to stay married, your spouse must fill in a statutory declaration for a spouse.

Standard or alternative route

For all application routes you must send:

an original or certified copy of your birth certificate

copies of any official documents that show your birth name has changed to your current name

proof you’ve lived in your acquired gender for the required time

any required medical reports

You need to have lived in your acquired gender for 2 years if applying through the standard route.

If you’re applying through the alternative route you need to have lived in your acquired gender for 6 years before 10 December 2014, or 16 December 2014 if you’re in Scotland.

Proof you’ve lived in your acquired gender

This proof must cover the required time that you’ve lived in your acquired gender. It could include copies of your:

passport

driving licence

payslips or benefit documents

utility bills or other documents of an official nature

All documents should be in your acquired name and gender. The earliest document must be dated before the beginning of the required time.

Medical reports

For the standard and alternative application routes you must send a report that includes details of any treatment you’ve had to change your sexual characteristics, for example hormone treatment or surgery.

The report must be an original copy from a qualified medical professional, for example a:

doctor registered with the General Medical Council (GMC)

psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council

You can ask your GP or surgeon to fill in a report for you if you do not have one already.

If you have not had any treatment or surgery yet, you must send a report that includes details of any planned treatment or surgery.

If you are applying by the standard route you must also send a report with details of your gender dysphoria diagnosis.

Read the list of gender dysphoria specialists to find out who can write this report for you. You can send a report from a registered medical professional not on this list if they can prove they work in gender dysphoria.

Overseas route

If you’re applying using the overseas route, you must prove that your gender has been legally recognised in an ‘approved country or territory’. Send original or certified copies of the following (if you have them):

your new birth certificate and old birth certificate

an amended birth certificate that shows the change of gender

a court order authorising your change of gender

a document that’s equivalent to a Gender Recognition Certificate

an entry in a legal register that proves your acquired gender has been recognised

What happens next

Your application will be assessed by the Gender Recognition Panel - you’ll be contacted if they need more proof or information.

Contact the administrative team at the Gender Recognition Panel to find out about your application’s progress.

If you get a full certificate

You’ll be sent information on:

how to get a new birth certificate, marriage certificate or civil partnership where appropriate

who you must tell about your gender change

Your pension and benefits may be affected.

If you’re given an interim certificate

You’ll be sent information on:

how to annul or dissolve your marriage or civil partnership

how long you have to convert your civil partnership to a marriage, if applicable

If your application is turned down

You’ll be told why your application was rejected.

You may be able to appeal the decision if you think it’s wrong on a point of law.

Where you appeal depends on whether you live in:

England and Wales - appeal to the High Court Family Division

Scotland - appeal to the Court of Session in Edinburgh

Northern Ireland - appeal to the High Court

You’ll be told in your decision letter how to appeal or apply again.

Legislation

The Gender Recognition Panel must apply the law in the Gender Recognition Act 2004 and the following amendments:

Schedule 5, Section 12 of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013

Part 4 of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014

you’re 18 or over

Overview

Read the full guidance before you apply.

Standard route

Apply by the standard route if all the following are true:

you’re 18 or over

you’ve lived in your acquired gender for at least 2 years

you intend to live in your acquired gender for the rest of your life

Alternative route

Apply by the alternative route if all the following are true:

you’re 18 or over

you’ve been diagnosed with gender dysphoria or had surgery to change your sexual characteristics

you live in England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland most of the time

A marriage or civil partnership is protected if it’s one of the following:

registered under the law of England, Wales or Northern Ireland

a marriage solemnised in Scotland

a civil partnership registered in Scotland

a marriage registered under the law of a country or territory outside the UK

Overseas route

You must be 18 or over.

Help you can get

You can also contact Citizens Advice or find a legal adviser.

If you're married or in a civil partnership

If you’re married

You can stay married if you apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate.

You and your spouse must fill in a statutory declaration saying you both agree to stay married.

If you’re in a civil partnership

You can stay in your civil partnership if it was registered in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

You’ll get an ‘interim certificate’ if your partner does not fill in a statutory declaration.

Civil partnerships registered in Scotland

How to apply

Download and fill in the right form for your application.

| Form | Guidance

Standard route | Form T450 | Leaflet T451

Alternative route | Form T464 | Leaflet T465

Overseas route | Form T453 | Leaflet T454

Send the completed form with your fee and any supporting documents relevant to your application.

Fees

Get help with your application

Documents you must provide

For all application routes, you must download and fill in the relevant statutory declaration for:

single people

married people or civil partners

If you’ve ever been married or in a civil partnership

For all application routes you must provide the following (if relevant):

an original or certified copy of your marriage or civil partnership certificate

a copy of your spouse’s death certificate

If you want to stay married, your spouse must fill in a statutory declaration for a spouse.

Standard or alternative route

For all application routes you must send:

an original or certified copy of your birth certificate

copies of any official documents that show your birth name has changed to your current name

proof you’ve lived in your acquired gender for the required time

any required medical reports

You need to have lived in your acquired gender for 2 years if applying through the standard route.

Proof you’ve lived in your acquired gender

passport

driving licence

payslips or benefit documents

utility bills or other documents of an official nature

Medical reports

The report must be an original copy from a qualified medical professional, for example a:

doctor registered with the General Medical Council (GMC)

psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council

You can ask your GP or surgeon to fill in a report for you if you do not have one already.

Overseas route

your new birth certificate and old birth certificate

an amended birth certificate that shows the change of gender

a court order authorising your change of gender

a document that’s equivalent to a Gender Recognition Certificate

an entry in a legal register that proves your acquired gender has been recognised

What happens next

If you get a full certificate

You’ll be sent information on:

how to get a new birth certificate, marriage certificate or civil partnership where appropriate

who you must tell about your gender change

Your pension and benefits may be affected.

If you’re given an interim certificate

You’ll be sent information on:

how to annul or dissolve your marriage or civil partnership

how long you have to convert your civil partnership to a marriage, if applicable

If your application is turned down

You’ll be told why your application was rejected.

You may be able to appeal the decision if you think it’s wrong on a point of law.

Where you appeal depends on whether you live in:

England and Wales - appeal to the High Court Family Division

Scotland - appeal to the Court of Session in Edinburgh

Northern Ireland - appeal to the High Court

You’ll be told in your decision letter how to appeal or apply again.

Legislation

Schedule 5, Section 12 of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013

Part 4 of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014


My neighbor was attacked and raped by two gangsters at night in her house.she later identified them and were jailed. She just received news that they are on parole and soon will be released. She is worried. Can she ask someone else to make a victim personal statement to the parole board?

You can make a victim personal statement if you’re a close relative of a victim who:

Make a victim personal statement to the Parole Board

Who can make a victim personal statement and when

The Parole Board decides if prisoners who are eligible for parole can be released. It also makes recommendations on whether it’s safe for prisoners to be:

transferred to an open prison

given a temporary release under supervision (known as being ‘on licence’ or probation)

Victims

You can make a ‘victim personal statement’ to be presented at the Parole Board hearing if you’re a victim of the prisoner.

This is sometimes known as an ‘impact statement’.

If you’re in Scotland, you need to make a written representation to the Parole Board for Scotland.

You can use your statement to explain how the crime has affected you - from the time it was committed until now.

This includes the effect the crime has had on you and your family:

physically

mentally

emotionally

financially

Relatives of victims

has died

is aged under 18

cannot make a statement themselves - for example, because of mental incapacity or illness

Close relatives include spouses and partners, parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings and dependants. Other family members, guardians and carers of victims may also be allowed to make a statement.

When more than one relative wants to make a statement, the Parole Board may ask for 1 or 2 statements to represent them all.

When to make your victim personal statement

If you choose to join the Victim Contact Scheme, your Victim Liaison Officer will tell you when a prisoner is being considered for parole.

They’ll tell you when to write your victim personal statement. They’ll also send it to the Parole Board for you at least 28 days before the hearing.

If you did not join the Victim Contact Scheme, you can contact your local probation office about:

giving a statement

joining the scheme if you want to be told when a prisoner is being considered for release or transfer

The Parole Board has more information about making a victim personal statement and joining the Victim Contact Scheme.

How a victim personal statement is used

The Parole Board panel makes a decision based on whether a prisoner is a risk to the public.

The panel can use your victim personal statement to help it:

understand the impact of the crime

decide what questions to ask the prisoner, to find out about their understanding of how their crimes have affected victims

decide what the prisoner can and cannot do (known as ‘licence conditions’) if they’re released

The Parole Board will make its decision by:

privately reviewing a file of information and reports about the prisoner

holding a hearing, if the board needs more information

You can ask to attend the hearing to read out your statement if you want, or have it read out for you. The Parole Board decides if you can attend.

Write your victim personal statement

Your victim personal statement is your opportunity to explain how a crime has affected you and your family - for example, physically, emotionally, financially or in any other way.

You can update the statement that you wrote for the prisoner’s trial or write a new one.

Your statement should take less than 10 minutes to read out.

You can usually choose how your statement is presented at an oral hearing.

You must always submit a written version of your statement.

What to include

You need to include how the:

crime affected you at the time

crime has affected you since it happened

prisoner’s release or move to an open prison would affect you, your family, friends or  community

Do not include:

whether you think the prisoner should be released

long descriptions of the original crime

any threats or critical comments to or about the prisoner or the Parole Board

Tell your Victim Liaison Officer if you think you have other information that will help the Parole Board make a decision.

Young victims and children

If you do not want to or cannot make a written victim personal statement, you can tell your Victim Liaison Officer about how:

you and your family were hurt

the crime makes you feel now

you think you would feel if the prisoner was released

Your Victim Liaison Officer will write this down and give it to the Parole Board.

Your parent or guardian can also make a statement if they want to.

The prisoner’s access to your victim personal statement

Prisoners usually have full access to all victim personal statements presented at their hearing.

Speak to your Victim Liaison Officer if you do not want the prisoner to have access to your statement.

You’ll need to make a good case that it will:

put you or your family at risk

have a negative effect on you in some other way

Statements are only withheld from prisoners under exceptional circumstances.

Choose how your victim personal statement is presented at the hearing

You’ll usually have a choice of how your victim personal statement is presented at the hearing.

You can ask:

for the Parole Board panel to read your statement themselves

to attend the hearing and read out your statement in person

to attend the hearing and choose someone else to read out your statement

to choose someone to go the hearing instead of you and read out your statement

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19) you cannot currently attend hearings in person. You will have to submit your statement remotely.

At some hearings you may be able to read out your statement via a live video link or make a recording for the panel.

Requests by victims to attend hearings are usually granted, but it’s not a legal right and you can be refused.

You can usually bring your Victim Liaison Officer or a family member or friend if you come to the hearing.

People under 18 years of age usually cannot attend parole hearings in person and must choose one of the other options, such as getting someone else to read out your statement.

What happens at a parole hearing

You’ll be asked to read out your victim personal statement (unless someone else is reading it for you).

You will not be able to add anything to your written statement at the hearing and will not usually be asked questions.

After you’ve made your statement you’ll be asked to leave and the hearing will continue.

Your Victim Liaison Officer will tell you the outcome.

Read the guide on getting parole for detailed information on what happens at a parole hearing.

Prisoners at parole hearings

Prisoners are usually not present while their victims read their statements. The prisoner’s legal representative is usually there.

You can ask that the prisoner is present while you read your statement, but they’ll need to agree to this and the Parole Board has to allow it.

cannot make a statement themselves - for example, because of mental incapacity or illness

Who can make a victim personal statement and when

transferred to an open prison

given a temporary release under supervision (known as being ‘on licence’ or probation)

Victims

This is sometimes known as an ‘impact statement’.

This includes the effect the crime has had on you and your family:

physically

mentally

emotionally

financially

Relatives of victims

You can make a victim personal statement if you’re a close relative of a victim who:

has died

is aged under 18

When to make your victim personal statement

giving a statement

How a victim personal statement is used

The panel can use your victim personal statement to help it:

understand the impact of the crime

The Parole Board will make its decision by:

privately reviewing a file of information and reports about the prisoner

holding a hearing, if the board needs more information

Write your victim personal statement

You can update the statement that you wrote for the prisoner’s trial or write a new one.

Your statement should take less than 10 minutes to read out.

You can usually choose how your statement is presented at an oral hearing.

You must always submit a written version of your statement.

What to include

You need to include how the:

crime affected you at the time

crime has affected you since it happened

Do not include:

whether you think the prisoner should be released

long descriptions of the original crime

any threats or critical comments to or about the prisoner or the Parole Board

Young victims and children

you and your family were hurt

the crime makes you feel now

you think you would feel if the prisoner was released

Your Victim Liaison Officer will write this down and give it to the Parole Board.

Your parent or guardian can also make a statement if they want to.

The prisoner’s access to your victim personal statement

You’ll need to make a good case that it will:

put you or your family at risk

have a negative effect on you in some other way

Statements are only withheld from prisoners under exceptional circumstances.

Choose how your victim personal statement is presented at the hearing

You can ask:

for the Parole Board panel to read your statement themselves

to attend the hearing and read out your statement in person

to attend the hearing and choose someone else to read out your statement

to choose someone to go the hearing instead of you and read out your statement

What happens at a parole hearing

After you’ve made your statement you’ll be asked to leave and the hearing will continue.

Your Victim Liaison Officer will tell you the outcome.

Prisoners at parole hearings