NUS CONTINUES CAMPAIGN AS ARCADIA AGREE TO PAY INTERNS

The National Union of Students (NUS) today welcomed the decision by Arcadia to retrospectively pay interns who had previously been unpaid but has continued its actions against other companies that exploit unpaid labour with a protest outside the Calvin Klein store on Regent Street in London.

NUS has been campaigning for an end to the exploitative nature of unpaid internships which are only available to a small number of people who can afford to work for free, often in London, and often for months at a time. NUS calls on companies to recognise the value to young people and employers of properly remunerated and well structured work experience.

Danielle Grufferty, NUS Vice-President (Society & Citizenship), said:

“I congratulate Arcadia on leading their industry by not only ending unpaid internships but also recognising the work put in by former interns. HMRC have warned the fashion industry that interns must be paid at least the minimum wage and those who don’t follow Arcadia’s example must face the legal consequences.

“Today we are protesting against Calvin Klein’s exploitation of unpaid labour but the truth is that they are just one of many organisations across all industries who exploit young people desperate to get a foot on the career ladder and simultaneously exclude all those who cannot afford to work for free.”

“Alan Milburn yesterday called for the Government to work with NUS and TUC to ensure reduce hindrances to accessing internships, improve their quality, and crack down on employers who exploit unpaid labour and we look forward to that opportunity.”

ENDS