One third of young adults in London have been or currently are an intern.  Fewer than four in ten are paid the National Minimum Wage or above.

 Five times as many young people told us that they would be able to do an internship if they were paid the London Living Wage.[3] Internships are commonplace but London has a major problem with unpaid internships. The London Assembly Economy Committee is calling on the Mayor to promote good quality paid internships and to make internships more accessible to young people. Unpaid internships are not just bad for young people, they are bad for business. They limit the pool of talent available, can mean employers are breaking the law and damage an employer’s reputation. Jenny Jones AM, Chair of the Economy Committee said:

“Internships should be fair and accessible to all, and they deserve to be paid. The cost of living is much higher in London and unpaid internships are a big problem, especially in sectors like the media, politics and the fashion industry, where London leads the world.

The Committee heard very positive examples of paid internships benefiting both young people and organisations. It’s a question of social mobility – unpaid internships limit the numbers of young people who are able to do them as a step in their career. The Mayor should make a stand and get involved in ensuring they’re accessible for all.”

The letter makes a number of recommendations to the Mayor, including: Promote good quality paid internships in London – any internship lasting longer than four weeks should be paid at least the National Minimum Wage, and preferably the London Living Wage.

Be part of an awareness-raising campaign on the rights of interns and make clear to business the legal requirements and benefits of paying interns. Address the lack of data and commission more research to understand the role of internships in London and to target further interventions.