Although employers recognise the value of allowing employees to take part in volunteer programmes, two thirds of staff fear asking for time off to get involved in such projects.

Research from reed.co.uk and TimeBank shows 84% of employers think volunteering can add skills to their workforce, 70% think it enhances company profile and 77% value the role of building relationships with local communities - but half think staff are afraid to ask for paid time off to get involved in community projects.

The Cabinet Office is working with TimeBank and encouraging its own employees to take part in volunteering by supporting high-profile government staff who plan to take up to five days off per year to volunteer.

Kevin Brennan, minister for the third sector, said: "Volunteering allows individuals to develop their skills at the same time as giving something back to local communities and really making a difference to people's lives."

And Alison Murray, head of corporate responsibility at T-Mobile, which has operated a volunteering scheme since 2006, added: "Since our scheme was launched, 17% of our staff have volunteered. It is great for employee engagement and for boosting morale, but it is also a fantastic way for companies to have a real impact on the local community they work in."