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date: 17 January 2007

embargo: For immediate release

TUC welcome for review of minimum wage and interns

Welcoming the announcement today (Wednesday) that the Government is to look into the issue of volunteers and the minimum wage, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'Properly managed work experience programmes are an important part of preparing young people for the world of work. But some employers are guilty of exploiting those keen to get that all important first job in film, TV or journalism by only paying expenses, whereas in some cases they should be paying them at least the minimum wage.

'Our concern is that currently only young people with well-off parents can afford to work for nothing for six months or more. This means that film and television production companies, newspapers and broadcasters risk excluding those from less privileged backgrounds. The TUC will push ministers to ensure that today's decision means that genuine work experience opportunities are protected and the exploitation of interns is stamped out.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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Contacts:

Media enquiries: Tim Lezard T: 020 7467 1248; E: tlezard@tuc.org.uk

Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248; M: 07778 158175; E: media@tuc.org.uk

Press release (300 words) issued 17 Jan 2007