The Live Wire

Interns Summit

Intern work should be properly recognised

Will Pomroy of the parliamentary branch of TGWU-Unite reports on Monday's 'interns' summit'.

On Monday an interns' summit was held in Parliament, hosted by Liberal Democrat MP Phil Willis. The 100-strong meeting of interns and campaigners heard from a panel of speakers including Speaker John Bercow, former home secretary Charles Clarke, shadow skills secretary David Willetts, president of the NUS Wes Streeting and chairman of the parliamentary branch of Unite Dan Whittle.

At the summit, the Speaker confirmed that he was very happy to raise the concerns "through the appropriate channels – although this will take time".

Phil Willis has also confirmed that he is to write a letter to the Speaker asking him to include the issue of parliamentary interns - many of whom are unpaid - in the members' estimates committee inquiry into MPs' pay, expenses and staffing costs.

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

Parliamentary interns are estimated to carry out around 18,000 hours of unpaid work per week. Recent research by Unite suggests that only one per cent are paid minimum wage or above and 44 per cent do not even receive expenses to cover their travel or lunch.

Phil Willis has said: "Interns are the true unsung heroes of our parliamentary system; it's about time that they are properly recognised for the excellent work that they do. It's very simple, interns work hard, and they should be paid for that work just like everyone else.

"If we want the 'mother of all parliaments' to truly reflect our society we must strive to be representative on every level, not just from the top down."

The TGWU parliamentary branch's survey of interns in parliament found that the estimated number of interns working for MPs is 450:

• Forty-four per cent of these do not receive travel or food expenses.
• Only one per cent are paid minimum wage.
• And 2.4 per cent of MPs staff say they have five or more interns working in their office.

The branch has previously produced an 'interns agreement' to serve as a contract between MPs and their interns. This was launched with Phil Willis in July of this year. And the MP has also tabled EDM 1692 in support of the agreement, which has 52 signatories across all three parties.

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Unite Parliamentary Staff Branch

Unite Parliamentary Staff Branch

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