Double standards on weekend work

Speaking at Apyco's annual conference last week, David Whewell said while the government wanted more youth workers to run activities on Friday nights and Saturdays, it didn't appear to expect the same of staff from Connexions or youth offending teams (YOTs).

"They should be working these hours too," he said. "Young people need Connexions personal advisers at weekends and access to YOT workers when they need them," he said.

But Mike Thomas, chair of the Association of Youth Offending Team Managers, said YOTs offered a 24-hour service already. "We operate round the clock," he said. "We have people attending reparation panels well into the evening and providing cover for Saturdays and bank holidays."

Jon Richards, senior national officer for education at Unison, said some Connexions staff are already working antisocial hours as well. "We're not opposed to the idea as long as people get paid the appropriate overtime or are given the option to work flexible hours," he said.