In most cases, yes. Most placements are paid, and if you’re doing real work you’re usually entitled to at least the minimum wage. A few types of placement can legally be unpaid.
When can a placement be unpaid?
- When it’s a required part of your UK university or college course and lasts no more than one year
- When it’s genuine voluntary work for a charity or voluntary organisation and you only receive expenses
- When it’s work shadowing, and you only observe
Why does it matter?
Unpaid roles shut out students who can’t afford to work for free. Sutton Trust research found 40% of unpaid interns relied on money from their parents, up from 26% in 2018 (Workplace Journal, reporting Sutton Trust research).
What should you ask before accepting an unpaid role?
- Which legal exemption applies?
- Which expenses are covered, such as travel and lunch?
- What will you actually do and learn?
- Could you get similar experience in a paid role?
How does jobsforinterns handle unpaid roles?
Unpaid roles sit in their own clearly labelled section, separate from paid placements. jobsforinterns does not recommend them, and every unpaid role must cover your expenses.