Over 200 MPs and parliamentary candidates have signed up to Volunteering England’s pledge to strengthen volunteering.

Political supporters including Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg, and charities minister Angela Smith (pictured), who have promised to promote positive messages about volunteers, free volunteers from red-tape and support organisations which help volunteers.

Meanwhile, the Scout Association has called on the next government and employers to do more to align training with volunteering.

Wayne Bulpitt, the Scout Association’s UK chief commissioner said: “Enabling staff to volunteer is a cost-effective way of teaching a wide variety of skills which will be beneficial to businesses.

“Although the benefits of volunteering to youngsters and the wider economy are widely acknowledged, the economic benefits gained from adult volunteers putting their skills and experience in the work place is regularly overlooked.”

“Through helping employees perform better at their job, volunteering can help fill the gap and equip the UK’s workforce for the challenges of the modern economy.”