Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Making Work Pay - Call for Evidence on Unpaid Internships

17 July 2025 · Department for Business and Trade

Proposed by Justin Madders Lab Ellesmere Port and Bromborough

Employment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The government is launching a 12-week call for evidence on unpaid internships and related work arrangements.
  • Views from employers, individuals, and stakeholders will be gathered to inform future policy changes.
  • The goal is to prevent the exploitation of workers, particularly young people.

Issue summary

The statement addresses the issue of unpaid internships and the need to ensure fair pay for workers.

Action requested

The government is launching a 12-week call for evidence to gather views from employers, individuals, and stakeholders on unpaid internships, work trials, voluntary workers, volunteers, and work shadowing. The goal is to inform future policy changes aimed at preventing exploitation of workers, especially young people.

Key facts

  • The government committed to banning unpaid internships unless they are part of a formal educational or training course.
  • The call for evidence will last 12 weeks.
  • Voluntary workers and volunteers are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage but some employers misuse these categories to avoid paying workers.
  • The responses will help shape future policy on these issues.
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