NI38 Guidance re status before leaving UK

Form NI38 Guidance on Social Security abroad states that: "You can pay Class 2 National Insurance contributions if you’re employed or self-employed abroad if: Immediately before going abroad, you were ordinarily an employed or self-employed earner in the UK" What is the definition of "work". Specifically, does it include voluntary unpaid work (for a period of 16 months)?

Hi

Thank you for your enquiry. The definition of work is that you were an employed earner, or self-employed earner, or seeking work and claiming unemployment benefit.
I can confirm that this would not include unpaid voluntary work.

Thanks