It will soon be easier to have young people volunteering on heritage railways - including the Watercress Line in East Hampshire - thanks to a key amendment to the Government’s Employment Rights Bill (ERB).
The change follows a campaign led by the Watercress Line and other heritage railways, and taken up by East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds and members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Heritage Rail. Until now, outdated legislation created uncertainty over whether under-16s could volunteer, effectively preventing many heritage railways from involving young people in their activities.
During the Bill’s passage through the House of Lords, an amendment was proposed to overturn part of the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act 1920, which made it unlawful for under-16s to work in certain sectors. Initially, ministers argued the 1920 Act did not prohibit such volunteering, and that no change was needed.
However, following further representations, and a plea by Damian Hinds in the debate and subsequent correspondence, the Government has now agreed to change the Bill to explicitly exempt youth volunteers on heritage railways from the provisions of the 1920 Act, ending years of legal ambiguity.
Damian Hinds said:
“The legal questions over the 1920 Act created real uncertainty for heritage railways wanting to inspire and involve young people in their work. The Government’s decision to clarify the law is a fantastic victory for everyone who has campaigned for this change, including our very own Watercress Line, which can now offer a range of volunteering opportunities to young heritage rail enthusiasts.
“Whilst there is much else in this Bill that I have been arguing against, this will be one provision I warmly welcome.”
Rebecca Dalley, CEO of the Watercress Line, welcomed the decision, saying it will help the railway “continue to inspire future generations in preserving our transport heritage.”
The Bill is now in its final stages, with Lords consideration of Commons amendments expected next week, and Royal Assent anticipated shortly afterwards.
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· Details of the Bill can be found here: Employment Rights Bill - Parliamentary Bills - UK Parliament
· In the debate on 15 September 2025, the Government were asked by Damian Hinds MP and Liz Saville Roberts MP (Plaid Cymru), who chairs the all-party group on heritage rail, to look again at heritage railways volunteering. The minister subsequently wrote to Damian and on 5 November the Government confirmed they would amend the Bill.
