Overview

This bill aims to prevent the exploitation of young people by prohibiting unpaid work experience exceeding four weeks. It amends the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 to ensure that anyone undertaking work experience for longer than four weeks receives the national minimum wage.

Description

The Unpaid Work Experience (Prohibition) Bill amends the National Minimum Wage Act 1998. It inserts new clauses to explicitly prohibit arrangements where individuals participate in work experience exceeding four weeks without pay. The bill defines "work experience" broadly to include observing, assisting with, and carrying out tasks to gain workplace experience. The Secretary of State must, within six months of the bill passing, create regulations to ensure that anyone aged 16-25 undertaking work experience longer than four weeks receives the national minimum wage. The bill applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and comes into effect on the day it is passed.

Government Spending

The bill is likely to increase government spending due to the enforcement and monitoring costs associated with ensuring compliance with the national minimum wage for those undertaking extended work experience placements. The precise financial impact is not specified in the bill's text.

Groups Affected

• Young people (aged 16-25): Those undertaking unpaid work experience for more than four weeks will be positively affected, as they will become entitled to the national minimum wage.
• Employers: Businesses offering work experience programs exceeding four weeks will be required to pay the national minimum wage, potentially increasing their costs.
• Government: Increased enforcement and administration costs will likely affect government expenditure.
• Organizations providing work experience: Similar to employers, these entities will also need to comply with the new regulations concerning minimum wage payments.

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