Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

<-- Back to proposed bills

Unpaid internships

02 March 2026

Proposing MP
Kate Dearden Lab Co-op
Halifax
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Business and Trade
View on Parliament.uk -->

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement addresses the government's commitment to ban unpaid internships except for those part of formal educational or training courses.

Action Requested

The government is publishing its response to a call for evidence on unpaid internships and will introduce measures to prevent employers from exploiting young people by misclassifying them as volunteers or work shadowers to avoid paying the National Minimum Wage.

Key Facts

  • The Government’s Plan to Make Work Pay aims to tackle low pay, poor working conditions, and poor job security.
  • The call for evidence related to unpaid internships and internships paid below the National Minimum Wage.
  • The government will ensure employers can offer genuine opportunities like work shadowing or work experience placements without leading to exploitation.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy