Those working in the public sector who opt to take a career break to volunteer overseas are set to get a financial boost, it has emerged.

On Saturday (March 15th) the government announced that local government workers, teachers and other public servants will receive some £13 million in new pension benefits.

At present, those who go abroad with the Voluntary Service Overseas and similar groups who opt to work in developing countries currently do not have pension contributions paid.

However, under a three-year deal the government is to finance such pension shortfalls without employers and employees incurring any costs.

Such news may be of interest to people seeking voluntary work opportunities via a regional recruitment portal.

Douglas Alexander, International Development secretary, said: "Volunteering plays a valuable part in our society, not just in helping to reduce global poverty, but in the wealth of experience volunteers will bring back to the UK and into public service."

Earlier this month, John Hutton, secretary of state for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, claimed that the third sector plays a "crucial role" in delivering public services.

More regional recruitment portal information.