Lord Young of Norwood Green
Main Page: Lord Young of Norwood Green (Labour - Life peer)(13 years, 5 months ago)
Lords ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
Baroness Wilcox
We are unlikely to look at this. However, in BIS we pay interns a wage and things seem to be going very well.
Lord Young of Norwood Green
Does the Minister agree that the problem with unpaid internships is that they discriminate against graduates from poorer households? Can she confirm that the Government will build on programmes introduced by the previous Government, such as the graduate talent pool and the scheme with the Federation of Small Businesses to encourage its members to create a number of opportunities?
Baroness Wilcox
In 2009, the Department for Work and Pensions announced a series of temporary measures, which the previous Government of course took forward. We have been using those measures and will do so until the end of this financial year. As we emerge from the recession, we will introduce more effective support for young people and the unemployed. A new work programme is coming out in the new year and we will be happy to bring that forward.