The TUC has started a new web site to help folk who are on unpaid work experience of as the Americans call it interns, a phrase that is getting used more and more here in the UK and somehow gives the idea of working for free some credence.
My own union BECTU has been very pro-active in this area as unpaid posts are prevalent in the media industry. "If you a job you are going to have to work for free so we can see if you are any good. If you are we might offer you a job...."
BECTU – fighting exploitation in the audio-visual industries
BECTU is the union that represents people working in film, TV and other audio-visual industries. This industry is rife with unpaid work. BECTU believe that 1 in 6 of their members is working for no pay, and they have been campaigning against the exploitation of unpaid work. In November 2009, film worker Nicola Vetta, with BECTU’s support, won a very significant Employment Tribunal case against London Dreams Motions Pictures Ltd over non-payment.
Now we all sometimes need to offer a 'lost leader' to get a foot on the ladder but consider it very carefully as a business decision. Think of it as an investment. Will I get a return on this investment of my time and effort? Weigh this against your "worth". By working for nothing you are devaluing yourself by saying you are not worth being paid anything for your services.
So if you are starting out, or changing sectors, do go and study this web site so you enter into an internship with your eyes wide open knowing what you are letting yourself in for and most importantly what your rights are.
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