Making Work Pay: call for evidence on unpaid internships, Public Sector article

Making Work Pay: call for evidence on unpaid internships

Read the full outcome

Making Work Pay: call for evidence on unpaid internships government response

PDF, 383 KB, 35 pages

Detail of outcome

This call for evidence sought views and evidence from employers and businesses, employees and workers, and other stakeholders on key issues relating to unpaid internships and other roles which may be unpaid or paid below the National Minimum Wage. It aimed to understand current practices in more detail, including the reasons for any non-compliance with National Minimum Wage legislation, and the scale of non-compliance.

The call for evidence ran from 17 July 2025 to 9 October 2025. Responses were invited through multiple channels to ensure accessibility and ease of participation. Stakeholders could submit their views online via the survey link on GOV.UK, by email, or by writing to the Department for Business and Trade. A total of 358 responses were received.

The government’s response sets out the actions the government will be taking, which have been informed by the responses to this call for evidence.

Original call for evidence

Summary

We are seeking evidence and views on unpaid internships and internships paid below the National Minimum Wage (NMW), and other roles which may be unpaid or paid below the NMW.

This call for evidence ran from
9:30am on 17 July 2025 to 11:59pm on 9 October 2025

Call for evidence description

The government has committed to banning unpaid internships, unless they are part of an educational or training course. This is part of the government’s Plan for Change, specifically on breaking down barriers to opportunity.

The call for evidence focuses on:

unpaid internships and internships paid below the National Minimum Wage (NMW)
unpaid work trials and work trials paid below the NMW
voluntary workers
volunteers
work shadowing

We welcome views from all stakeholders, particularly individuals who have personal experience of these issues, worker groups, employers and businesses, and individuals or organisations with subject matter expertise.

Documents