NUJ Wins Intern Case as a Worker

A case heard today at an employment tribunal brought by National Union of Journalists member Keri Hudson is reported to have found the claimant – an intern – to be a worker, the claimant awarded minimum wage & holiday pay arrears.

Whether this is the first case of its kind, or only the first case to be widely known about, it’s unlikely to be the last, and employers are advised to consider their use of interns, particularly where they are currently unpaid.

The issue of whether interns are workers is not straightforward, with senior politicians at least acknowledging reform is due, if not on how internship should be made available.

This may be the first case, but unless employers are careful on how they treat people coming into their workplace to perform activities, it’s not likely to be the last.

Filed under: Contracts of Employment, Employment Tribunals, General News by Employment Law Clinic           Post created on: May 12th, 2011