Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will take steps to ensure that people who have completed unpaid work trials are able to claim back payment for that work.

HMRC inspectors consider work trials on a case-by-case basis. Where they come to the view that the arrangements constitute “work” under existing National Minimum Wage regulations, they will require employers to repay any arrears and will impose fines.

HMRC will respond to every complaint received from workers who are concerned about work trials.