At any one time there are around 3000 people working for free in parliament, think tanks, ngos and the political media. These organisations are supposed to be the heartbeat of our democracy but to get a job, people are expected to work for extended periods for free. This creates a huge barrier for people from poorer backgrounds. The Interns Network wants to make internships more transparent, fair and fun. You can subscribe for weekly updates of jobs, events and news by emailing 
interns_network-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Visit www.internsnetwork.org.uk for more details.
interns_network-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Visit www.internsnetwork.org.uk for more details.
The Interns' Network wants to make internships more productive and valuable for both employers and interns in parliament, think tanks, ngos and the political media. We have started negotiations to work towards more 'ethical' internships. Eventually, we would like to set up a system of funded bursaries to start addressing the access issues around internships and are planning a series of meetings (and some fabulous parties). We would love to hear from any past, present or prospective interns who are interested in our project. Please email internsinfo@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.internsnetwork.org.uk.
internsinfo@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.internsnetwork.org.uk.
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Minimum wage?
28.01.2004 19:23
"people are expected to work for extended periods for free"
How does this fit with minimum wage legislation?!
freeman
Paying for what we need
05.04.2004 18:46
Almost the entire environmental movement relies on volunteers. I have done several years of conservation work for free and, even with a good PhD, do not know if there will ever be a paid job for me.
I feel that the volunteer culture is totally out of control and now so large that it is undermining the development of commitments to skilled workers and the retention of experience within all sorts of organisations.
The level of student debt also means that the few opportunities which do exist all too frequently go to the people who have the money to back themselves, and that merit is playing less and less in the selection of people for posts.
I am starting to feel that volunteering should be banned or strictly limited and that humanity does not deserve to survive if it cannot bring itself to pay for the environment that it, and all other form of life, relies upon.
As things stand, chance and ad hoc personal endeavours are generally holding things together, but this is risky, unsustainable and inadequate, and I feel we need to take are core social and environmental requirements more seriously.
This intern network is a very welcome development, especially if it helps skilled people find properly paid work.
Matt Prescott