Parliament urged to respect interns

Parliament should "set the standard for the rest of the nation" on the treatment of interns, Phil Willis has said.

The Liberal Democrat MP's comments came as around 100 interns, MPs and lobbyists gathered in Parliament on Monday night to demand an end to the abuse of "generation intern".

Willis, who hosted the event, is asking the members' estimates committee to look at the question of interns' pay as part of an inquiry into MPs' expenses, pay and staffing allowances.

Introducing the event, Willis said: "It's becoming a rite of passage to actually intern in order to be able to get experience in order to apply for the first job.

"In Parliament we ought to have a scheme which is a blue ribbon scheme which sets the standard for the rest of the nation and that's what our campaign is about.

"It's about how do we get out collective minds together to create a scheme where an internship can work its best?"

He added that Parliament's interns come from the same background and "there needs to be a broader spectrum".

While not committing to put the issue on the agenda, Commons Speaker John Bercow said he was very happy to raise it "through the appropriate channels" although "this will take time".

He said: "Thank you for coming in the spirit of engagement for the important cause that both that the maximum number of people get the opportunity to work as interns and that it is a fully rewarding experience, for them and indeed for those for whom they work."

The Speaker acknowledged that it is an issue that "will not go away, it cannot be brushed under the carpet" and added that "I am listening".

Of his own experience as an unpaid intern in Parliament 25 years ago, Bercow said: "I found it an immensely rewarding and educatory experience."

David Willetts told the event: "I can sense this is the start of a movement, it feels like an uprising."

The shadow skills secretary noted Alan Milburn's social mobility report, published this summer, which stated that only three to four per cent of interns apply for their positions following careers advice.

Willetts also called for a "revolution" in careers advice.

Dan Whittle of the parliamentary branch of Unite called for an end to "generation intern", and challenged the Speaker to put the issue on the agenda for the members' estimates committee's meeting next week, stating that he was "disappointed" by the absence of such a promise.

Willis has confirmed that he will be writing to the Speaker to formalise the request.

He said: "Interns are now an integral part in the staffing structure of our Parliament, it's essential to kick-on and ensure that they not only receive the appropriate recognition for their contribution, but that the authorities develop a kite mark or minimum standard for internships to ensure that they get a really first class experience and appropriate reward."