Should working several days a week in a school office be a voluntary position?

A special school in Lewisham, south London, is advertising for someone to do up to three days a week in its office, seemingly unpaid.

Is this just a routine move, offering an individual the chance to gain experience, as the school says, or a worrying sign that budget pressures are leading institutions to rely on people to do work which should always be paid?

The question has arisen after Education Uncovered was tipped off about an advert which appeared recently on the jobs website of the TES.

Headlined “Administrative volunteer, Lewisham,” it states: “Do you have Office experience? Do you want to help children with complex autism reach their full potential?”

It adds: “The school business director is looking for someone to come in [to] help out in our busy office. Maybe you have retired and have time on your hands or are looking to return to work but lack current experience; we can help. We are looking for someone who can commit to two or three days per week.