Russell, who heads a Government commission on youth volunteering, will urge them to relax benefit regulations that can inhibit young people from becoming volunteers.
Jamie Thomas, head of the Russell Commission team, told delegates at Young People Now's New Pathways conference: "Young people on jobseeker's allowance are getting mixed information from their local Jobcentre advisers. The restrictions prevent a lot of young people from volunteering."
Young people are allowed to volunteer while receiving benefits, but they have to be free for an interview within 48 hours and be able to start work within a week.
Claimants must report all voluntary work to their Jobcentres, as well as payments in kind, such as meal vouchers. Benefits can be reduced if pay is deemed to be withheld from the volunteer inexplicably.
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