Stronger enforcement “important first step” in tackling scourge of unpaid work for young people – TUC

Commenting on the government announcement today on unpaid internships, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:  

“This is an important first step in tackling the scourge of unpaid work for young people. 

"It's right that the government has recognised the misuse of unpaid work trials and internships by bad employers looking to flout the law and leave young people out of pocket. 

“Our research shows that unpaid internships, trials and shadowing are far too common – and it is young people from working class backgrounds who tend to lose out.  

“Stronger enforcement through the new Fair Work Agency as well as new guidance to make the existing law clear is positive. But it’s vital that the Fair Work Agency gets the resources and teeth it needs to crack down on bad bosses who exploit young workers.  

“And the government must continue to actively monitor the problem - if young people remain pressured to work for free, legislative change will be needed to make it crystal clear that unpaid work is illegal.”