Transcript Unpaid Internships powerpoint

Unpaid Internships: We can’t work for free
Dannie Grufferty, Vice President Society and Citizenship
10th February 2012
What do these people have in common?
They don’t pay their interns
What is an unpaid internship?
There is no absolute definition of an internship.
An internship tends to be used to mean a set
period (often around three months) of
employment in a junior (often graduate level)
role. Some internships are paid above the
NWM, others pay below the NMW, some
reimburse travel and/or lunch expenses –
others pay nothing at all.
Why do we care about Unpaid Internships?
• Youth unemployment
higher than ever
• They are unfair
• They exploit students
• They are illegal
Why are unpaid internships illegal?
Unpaid internships do not comply with NMW
legislation. They are illegal.
A worked is entitled to NWM. A worked is someone
with:
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A contract of employment or;
A contract to perform work or provide services
personally for your employer.
The contract does not have to be in writing, it can be
oral or implied.
What is NUS doing?
University Careers service campaign
Does your
university careers
service advertise
unpaid
internships?
Let us know
What is NUS doing?
Unpaid Internships ‘We can’t work for free’ campaign
launch:
Monday 13 February 11-1.30
TUC, Congress House, London
What is NUS doing?
London Fashion Week stunt ‘The Devil Pays Nada’ with
Intern Aware
Friday 17 Feb 9.45 at Somerset House, central
London
Theme: fashion victims
Strategy
Key aspects of the campaign strategy are:

Research – (then) action – (then) evaluation
The campaign is based on a cycle of research, action and
evaluation.

Power mapping – we mapped who to influence and how, both
internal to NUS and external organisations and individuals.

Local action – the strength of NUS is its member unions, the
campaign focuses on facilitating campaigning activities by
students’ unions.

Timing / policy environment – the campaign could gather
cross-party support and we already have some political
support. As the practice is rife within parliament it is often
called the ‘next expenses scandal’; now is a good time to
campaign.
How can student unions get involved?
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Pass a motion in your Union
Distribute NUS/UCU Internships briefing for
students and SUs
http://www.nus.org.uk/PageFiles/24282/NUS
%20unpaid%20internships%20advice.pdf –
on NUS Connect under Resources/Soc Cit tab
Campaign locally to ensure University careers
services do not exploit their students by
advertising unpaid internships
Contact me – [email protected]
for more information
Any questions?