Letter: Voluntary work cannot be forced

IF THE Government introduces workfare to make unemployed people feel better and to help the local community it will destroy any trust built up between volunteers and their organisers.

Volunteering is a choice made by the individual to use up spare time, give something to the community or to build a CV. It is not something that is forced to ensure continuation of benefits or to make unemployment figures look better.

I hope the Government will encourage volunteering instead of spending millions on introducing workfare. It could pass the message to employers that volunteering experience can be as useful as paid employment.

Maureen Japp

Volunteer Development Officer

Caernarfon, Gwynedd