THE Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Truro and Falmouth has been forced to withdraw a job advertisement for a full-time intern because it flouted government regulations on work and pay.

The party is looking for more staff as it gears up for the General Election. Terrye Teverson told The West Briton that it was a genuine error made by a volunteer who had worded the advertisement incorrectly.

"I didn't place the advert," said the prospective MP, adding that it has now been withdrawn. "The key thing to stress is that volunteers work what hours they want to. We do not dictate anything," she added.

The unpaid Cornwall-based position appeared on the Commons jobs website. It listed key tasks including press and media work, campaign and database management as well as research.

The three-month post offered travel expenses, food and accommodation, if possible.

The West Briton contacted the HM Revenue and Customs pay and works helpline. It said volunteers do not work set hours, do not have a contract and are not obliged to carry out specific duties.

The LibDem ad fell foul of these regulations. Anyone working full time and carrying out duties is entitled to the minimum hourly wage of £5.73 if aged 22 or over and £4.77 for 18 to 21-year-olds.

These rules do not apply if the intern/volunteer is a student. Employers ignoring the regulations face a fine of up to £5,000. Mrs Teverson said staff were writing a new advertisement for a full-time paid researcher and campaigner to be posted this week.

"We have many volunteers coming through the office, we couldn't afford to pay them all -it would be too costly, but several have gone on to gain full time paid positions in London and elsewhere," she added.

Mrs Teverson hopes to succeed Truro and St Austell MP Matthew Taylor, who is stepping down. New boundaries mean the seat will represent Truro and Falmouth.

Mrs Teverson is visiting Perranporth, Tresilian, Truro, and villages until next Monday.