Overview

This bill aims to prohibit unpaid work experience placements exceeding four weeks in the UK. It amends the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 to ensure that individuals undertaking such placements are paid the national minimum wage after this four-week period.

Description

The Unpaid Work Experience (Prohibition) Bill amends the National Minimum Wage Act 1998. Specifically, it adds a clause preventing any exemption from minimum wage payments for work experience lasting longer than four weeks (continuous or non-continuous). A new section (41A) compels the Secretary of State to implement regulations within six months of the bill's passage, mandating minimum wage payments for those aged 16-25 undertaking work experience exceeding four weeks with the same employer. The definition of "work experience" includes observing, replicating, assisting with, and carrying out tasks to gain workplace experience, and "employer" is broadly defined to include any organisation providing work experience.

Government Spending

The bill will likely lead to increased government spending as the government will be responsible for enforcement of the new rules and it is expected to result in increased costs for employers who offer work experience placements. Exact figures are not available from the text of this bill.

Groups Affected

• Employers: Businesses providing work experience placements will face increased labour costs if their placements last longer than four weeks.
• Work Experience Participants (16-25): Young people undertaking extended work experience will be entitled to the national minimum wage, potentially increasing their earning potential and reducing exploitation.
• Government: Increased responsibility for regulation and enforcement.

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