Jobseeker’s Allowance: Interns

Debate between Baroness Wheatcroft and Baroness Wilcox

Wednesday 30th November 2011 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Wilcox]

As far as I know, we are sticking with the minimum wage as the basis of what we are doing. Internships are paid based on the minimum wage. Anything which is paid above that is purely a voluntary arrangement. Arrangements made between employers and employees are based upon that.

My Lords, we should never condone exploitation masquerading as internships. I am sure many of us have come across those, not least in the media industry. However, does the Minister agree with me that one of the most effective ways of fostering workplace experience is to get schools and universities to have ever closer links with employers?