HMRC minister defends unpaid internship

[T_i_B]

Hypocrisy is alive and well in government.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17443200

Treasury minister David Gauke has defended his decision to advertise a six-month unpaid internship.

He is in charge of HM Revenue and Customs, which recently threatened the fashion industry with prosecution if it failed to pay interns the minimum wage.

In December, the HMRC wrote to fashion houses involved in London fashion week warning them they must pay the minimum wage - currently £6.08 an hour - to anyone aged aged 21 and over. Michelle Wyer, from HMRC, said at the time those not complying could face a penalty and prosecution, adding: "Non-payment of the national minimum wage is not an option."

In an advert on the website work4MP, Mr Gauke says he is looking for a "voluntary intern" to work in his Rickmansworth constituency office "for a minimum of 6 months". Under salary, the advert states: "None, but reasonable travel expenses will be paid."

[ikri]

1. Should be banned

Who, other than the already wealthy, can afford to work for a minimum of 6 months unpaid? It simply perpetuates the power of the government among the already wealthy and we ultimately end up with like George once had a job folding towels at Selfridges Osborne in government - rich friends of the rich and powerful.