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19 March 2010 / Kerry Underwood
Issue: 7409 / Categories: Opinion , Profession
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Interns: the new underclass?

Recently there has been much publicity about graduates working for nothing, or indeed even paying to work, in the hope of making an impression and getting a paid job) see for example The Mail Online, 4 March 2010 – “The Slave Labour Graduates.”)

Recently there has been much publicity about graduates working for nothing, or indeed even paying to work, in the hope of making an impression and getting a paid job) see for example The Mail Online, 4 March 2010 – “The Slave Labour Graduates.”)

This may come as a surprise to those who thought that we had a national minimum wage and that that minimum is not zero. For those of a certain age it will bring back memories of articled clerks paying for the privilege of learning at their principal’s feet. So what is the legal position now?
Such action by employers is clearly illegal, in relation to anyone over 16 who is not working under a formal apprenticeship contract.

The national minimum wage is just that – there are no

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn adds employee benefits and executive compensation practice in London with partner Richard Surtees

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL appoints new partner and head of intellectual property disputes

Muckle LLP—Roland Fairlamb

Muckle LLP—Roland Fairlamb

Specialist associate solicitor rejoins Muckle’s leading employment team

NEWS
A series of recent decisions has clarified important principles across property law, from perpetuities to lease renewals and public rights over land
Employers cannot rely on wellbeing services alone to defend workplace stress claims after a High Court decision awarding almost £1m to an overworked employee
Andy Burnham's brand of 'Manchesterism' could offer fresh thinking on legal aid and access to justice if it reaches Westminster, according to Roger Smith, NLJ columnist and former director of JUSTICE
The constitutional fallout from a change of prime minister, rather than the politics, is under scrutiny as questions arise over the limits of executive authority in a leadership transition
The legal profession is undergoing a fundamental shift from selling services to creating technology-enabled products, according to Professor Luke Mason, Head of School of Law at Regent's University London
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