Call for Evidence launched into unpaid internships as some employers fail to pay young workers despite ban…reports Asian Lite News
The government has taken a significant step towards protecting younger workers from exploitative unpaid internships, as it inches closer to fulfilling its manifesto commitment to ban the practice. On Thursday, 17 July, the government launched a call for evidence on the issue, forming part of its Make Work Pay agenda. This initiative represents the most substantial upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation, set to directly benefit over 15 million workers—half of the UK’s workforce.
Internships have long been regarded as a crucial stepping stone for young people entering the workforce, offering invaluable experience as they build their careers. However, when these internships are unpaid or paid below the National Minimum Wage, they create barriers to equal opportunity. These barriers are often based on factors such as geographical location, age, or social background, effectively excluding those who cannot rely on financial support from family.
While unpaid internships are already largely prohibited under current law—except when they are part of an educational or training course—the government is determined to strengthen these protections. The call for evidence aims to gather more information on how unpaid internships affect young people and how businesses use them to assess candidates. This move is part of a broader effort to ensure that internships are accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasised the importance of quality work experience for young people, stating: “Every young person deserves the chance to build their career through quality work experience, but good employers are still being undercut by those exploiting interns by illegally asking them to work for free. Our Plan for Change seeks to break down barriers to opportunity, which is why we will strengthen protections for younger workers so that internships are accessible to everyone, ensuring they have the foundations to build a strong and successful career.”
Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders also highlighted the value of internships in providing a platform for young people to learn new skills and for employers to identify future talent. He said: “Employers should not be taking advantage of the opportunities on offer by not paying their interns. This move will help us crack down on those not following the rules, so that the next generation of interns are able to gain that crucial experience whilst earning a fair wage.”
The Sutton Trust, a leading charity focused on social mobility, has welcomed the government’s initiative. Nick Harrison, CEO of the Sutton Trust, noted: “Taking action on internships with low or no pay is absolutely the right thing to do. We’ve found that 61% of internships undertaken by recent graduates were ‘unpaid or underpaid’, effectively excluding those who can’t rely on financial support from family. Employers will benefit from the wider pool of talent available to them, and three quarters of employers told us a ban wouldn’t impact the number of opportunities they provide. Today’s announcement marks a significant step in the right direction.”
The call for evidence will run for 12 weeks, closing on 9 October 2025. This period will allow the government to gather comprehensive data and insights from various stakeholders, including young workers, employers, and educational institutions. The findings will inform the development of policies aimed at ensuring that internships are fair, inclusive, and compliant with the National Minimum Wage regulations.
The government’s commitment to addressing the issue of unpaid internships reflects a broader effort to promote social mobility and equal opportunities in the workplace. By strengthening protections for younger workers and ensuring that internships are fairly compensated, the government hopes to create a more equitable and inclusive job market for all.
As the call for evidence progresses, stakeholders are encouraged to share their experiences and perspectives to help shape policies that will benefit both young workers and employers. The government’s initiative is a clear indication that it is taking decisive action to protect the rights of younger workers and to ensure that internships remain a valuable and accessible pathway to career development.
