The Government has issued new guidance for businesses that offer work experience, placements and internships that is designed to clarify when someone is entitled to the National Minimum Wage (NMW).
The key message is that entitlement to the NMW does not depend on a job title but on whether the arrangement they have with an organisation makes them a worker for NMW purposes. Where an individual is a worker - and no exemption applies – then they must be paid at least the NMW.
Employment Relations Minister Edward Davey said: “Internships and work experience of all forms offer an excellent opportunity in helping to bridge the gap between education and the workplace. And for businesses, it allows them access to a wide talent pool of some of our best and brightest who didn’t take the traditional route into a job.
“Fairness, though, is absolutely paramount with all placements. When a worker is entitled to the minimum wage, they should be paid it and we will continue to enforce the law. Today’s publication will help clarify this for employers and will also make sure that all interns and those on work experience placements have a better understanding of their entitlement to the minimum wage.”
The guidance includes case studies and a new worker checklist for employers. Full details are available at www.businesslink.gov.uk/nmw