🚨 Coastguard “Volunteers” Ruled to Be Workers 🚨

A recent Court of Appeal decision has major implications for anyone relying on “volunteers” in their organisation.

Backstory:
A Coastal Rescue Officer, Martin Groom, was treated as a volunteer — complete with a volunteer handbook, code of conduct, optional expense claims and even payslips. But when his role was terminated, he argued he was actually a worker and therefore entitled to key employment rights.

🔹 2021 – Employment Tribunal:
Sided with the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, saying the role was genuinely voluntary.

🔹 2024 – Employment Appeal Tribunal:
Disagreed. In reality, CROs followed instructions, carried out personally required work, and could claim payment. That meant worker status during those paid activities.

🔹 2026 – Court of Appeal:
Confirmed it — Mr Groom was a worker.

💡 Why this matters

You can call someone a “volunteer”, but if the relationship functions like employment — obligations, control, payment — they may legally be a worker. And that brings rights.

✔️ Takeaway for employers

Review your volunteer arrangements. Labels don’t determine employment status — real‑world practice does.