Labour's shadow business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, and shadow employment rights minister, Justin Madders, have unveiled plans to ban unpaid internships in a bid to enhance social mobility across the UK. The proposal targets exploitative practices that disadvantage young people from less privileged backgrounds.
Key Proposals
The Labour Party's initiative includes:
- Legislation to make unpaid internships illegal
- Stronger enforcement of minimum wage laws
- Support for small businesses to offer paid opportunities
Social Mobility Concerns
The move comes after research by the Sutton Trust revealed that unpaid internships disproportionately benefit those from wealthier families who can afford to work without pay. Reynolds emphasised that "access to opportunity shouldn't depend on your parents' bank balance".
Business Impact
While some industry groups have expressed concerns about potential costs to businesses, Labour argues that the policy will create a fairer system that benefits both employers and employees in the long term. Madders stated that "quality opportunities should be accessible to all talented young people, not just those who can afford to work for free".
The proposal forms part of Labour's broader agenda to reform workplace practices and improve economic equality if they win the next general election.
