New rules governing issues such as working hours and the minimum wage have big implications for voluntary groups.

That is the warning from Keighley Voluntary Services coordinator Cait Clarricoates as she urges local organisations to attend a special advice session. The talk by employment expert David Miller is open to anyone who does either paid or unpaid work in the local voluntary sector, and anyone else interested.

Mr Miller, from Yorkshire and Humberside Low Pay Unit, will speak in Keighley College's Swire Smith Hall next Thurs-day, May 13, from noon-2pm.

Dr Clarricoates says the meeting will address aspects of employment law introduced recently by the European Union and British government.

"Mr Miller says the rules have far-reaching consequences for people working in the voluntary sector," she says. "I know from experience that a lot of workers give more of their time than is stated. They have a lot of commitment to their work and give up an incredible amount of time.

"There's a very high burn-out rate for paid workers and volunteers. You're dealing with a lot of need, a lot of poverty."

Dr Clarricoates feels Keigh-ley's voluntary sector is going to need to take a close look at its practises. She believes the minimum-wage regulations could also affect groups who use unpaid volunteers.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.