Internship/Exploiting a worker

daveboy

Internships were the focus of a recent TV programme if I remember correctly - although that did focus on the fashion industry more. Can't remember whether it was Panorama or a similar programme.

The 'volunteer' aspect of the contract is their way of getting round the National Minimum Wage Act.

As has been touched on, if you want to be paid well under the minimum wage, by a company that knows the loopholes in that law, then you will be allowing yourself to be a mug.

About time the Government amended that Act so these slimey companies can't rip honest people off.

bluenoseam

You could argue that the costs incurred in training & experience given would equate to the amount which would have been paid - but that's just my own opinion, somewhat similar to an apprenticeship some may say.

SarEl

bluenoseam wrote: »

You could argue that the costs incurred in training & experience given would equate to the amount which would have been paid - but that's just my own opinion, somewhat similar to an apprenticeship some may say.

And you could do that by the regulatory or professional bodies setting down standards for internships. We have such standards laid out clearly. Of course it isn't likley to happen whilst one of the biggest offenders is Parliament. In the documentary mentioned above there were people actually paying MP's for their internships. Admittedly, one such intern said it was worth the money for the experience. But it did make me wonder if this money is declared and deducted from the MP's salary since he is charging for experience in something he is already paid for out of the public purse - certainly public sector workers who take on additonal income during their working time (like lectures etc) either have to take the time off unpaid or turn over the income. Somehow, I suspect it doesn't apply to MP's.

Zazu

Acc72 wrote: »

On the third point, there may be a reason why your table (i.e. it is not just you) have to hand over you mobiles ? Why not ask your manager ?

I have done. And was told "because I said so"

Why should I have to leave a "job" that would be beneficial to me in terms of career aspirations, because the company is not being legit. I want justice! If I leave, they're just gonna have someone else be a mug and take advantage of them too. I don't think that's right or fair to anyone!

daveboy

SarEl wrote: »

And you could do that by the regulatory or professional bodies setting down standards for internships. We have such standards laid out clearly. Of course it isn't likley to happen whilst one of the biggest offenders is Parliament. In the documentary mentioned above there were people actually paying MP's for their internships. Admittedly, one such intern said it was worth the money for the experience. But it did make me wonder if this money is declared and deducted from the MP's salary since he is charging for experience in something he is already paid for out of the public purse - certainly public sector workers who take on additonal income during their working time (like lectures etc) either have to take the time off unpaid or turn over the income. Somehow, I suspect it doesn't apply to MP's.

Good point. The programme was a little while ago and I just remembered the fashion industry part of it.

The problem also is the fact that some of these large companies have the Government in their pocket - the 'if you tie our hands we will simply move away from the UK' scenario. Which then means the Government let these companies get away with all sorts.

Zazu

I would also like to point out, that they never took a copy of my passport or any form of ID, even though I did offer.

So if there's a fire in the building, I will not be accounted for

Also, if I was someone working on a working visa, everyone would be screwed if the authorities were to find out.
I also believe it could be to avoid tax. I'm not a law student or know much about the law, but I think what they're doing is not legal but I don't really know. Which is why I'm confused as to how this is happening in Canary Wharf. But then, no one would suspect a company in canary wharf WITHIN in the citigroup building would be doing what they're doing or suspect them of being dodgy.

SarEl

Zazu wrote: »

I have done. And was told "because I said so"

Why should I have to leave a "job" that would be beneficial to me in terms of career aspirations, because the company is not being legit. I want justice! If I leave, they're just gonna have someone else be a mug and take advantage of them too. I don't think that's right or fair to anyone!

Because you do not have a job in any shape or form as we keep telling you! As for whether it is beneficial to you in terms of your career aspirations, refer to my last but one post. You say you know what an internship is. So it is either meeting your expectations of gaining beneficial experience for your career aspirations or it is not. But it is simple - they are not going to change it for you, it isn't going to become a job, and they can enforce any rules they want. So you deceide whether it is for you or not. There is no point bleating about what you want it to be - it isn't, you knew that (or you say you did). If you want NMW then go flip burgers - this place isn't going to pay it to you and you have no right to it.

Zazu

Ok, so it is legal for a company to employ you as a worker but label it an internship?

It's legal, yes?

SarEl

Zazu wrote: »

I would also like to point out, that they never took a copy of my passport or any form of ID, even though I did offer. This has nothing to do with fire - it is a test of the right to work in the UK and does not apply to people who are not employees, which you are not.

So if there's a fire in the building, I will not be accounted for

Also, if I was someone working on a working visa, everyone would be screwed if the authorities were to find out. No, they don't need one because they are not working!

I also believe it could be to avoid tax. I'm not a law student or know much about the law, I do but I think what they're doing is not legal it is but I don't really know. Which is why I'm confused as to how this is happening in Canary Wharf. But then, no one would suspect a company in canary wharf WITHIN in the citigroup building would be doing what they're doing or suspect them of being dodgy.

They are doing nothing dodgy. It may not be fair - but there will be lines of other people willing to do it and it is perfectly legal. And an address goes not make a company anything other than able to pay the rent.

vax2002

Perhaps they would not be able to afford canary Wharf office prices if they paid the people doing the work....