asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to extend current legislation against age discrimination in order to protect those working as volunteers in charities and voluntary associations. [HL3381]

We have no plans to change our current approach. The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 implement the age strand of the European Employment Directive. Unpaid voluntary work does not fall within the scope of the directive. The age regulations cover people working under the direction of another in return for remuneration. Practical work experience is covered as it constitutes vocational training. This follows the common definition of employment under existing legislation on race, gender and disability. We are committed to maintaining consistency in approach and definition across existing as well as new areas of equality legislation wherever practicable.