Expecting jobseekers to work for extended periods for no pay
while doing internships or work experience is getting more and more
common. Some firms even insist applicants pay for the privilege of
getting unpaid internships.
One job ad for an accountancy firm recently emphasised 'how
hard it is to find a job for fresh graduates' and sought people
with a Bachelors or Masters degree to work on accounts and
day-to-day operations of the company.
The work was unpaid. Successful applicants were told they would
have to pay fees for "contract preparation",
administration and insurance. In return the company would provide
references for future job applications.
A fashion business advertised for interns to produce fashion
related content three times a week for the company blog, do photo
production, manage Instagram and Facebook for the company and bring
in fashion industry contacts. All of it unpaid.
