BCC Responds to Unpaid Internships Debate

20th April 2015

Responding to the debate surrounding unpaid internships, Dr.

Adam Marshall, Executive Director of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: -Internships can provide a valuable stepping stone to introduce young people to the work environment. While no business should use unpaid interns as a substitute for paid staff, no government should put the prospect of work experience at risk through blanket legislation or regulation. -Rather than reaching straight for the regulatory option, it would be better to work with business to clarify the definition of what an internship is, how long it should last, and whether it should be remunerated. -Business and government need to work together to bridge the gap between the world of education and work, and must therefore avoid any actions that put barriers in the way.