RESOURCES: Unpaid Internships

Throughout the process of creating my documentary I learnt one of the main obstacles for social mobility within the fashion industry is the system of unpaid internships and work placements.

Disguised as "experience" and "an opportunity to build your portfolio!" they are an easy way for employers to gain free labour from those starting their careers.

For many from working class backgrounds these are not feasible as they cannot afford rent, travel or food without a main source of income.

Because of this, those from poorer socio-economic upbringings are left behind and unable to advance in the industry. To educate yourself more on the moral and ethical considerations of unpaid internships. Check out the resources below.

Unpaid Internships: Bad for Students, Bad for Workers, Bad for Society

By Derek Thompson, 2012

"The economics of unpaid internships are obvious. Employers are desperate for cheap work, and "free" is pretty cheap. Workers are desperate for, well, anything, and students and recent grads are willing to negotiate their wages down to zero...."

Are Unpaid Internships Exploitation or Opportunity? Twitter Has Some Opinions

By David Z. Morris, 2018

"Unpaid internships are intended to provide valuable experience and contacts to young workers, while lowering costs and risks to organizations. But are they fair?"

Unpaid, Unadvertised, Unfair

By Rebecca Montacute, 2018

"For young people who cannot afford to work for free, and for those who do not have the networks with which to secure a placement informally, internships are acting as a barrier to the best careers – and to social mobility."

Why Unpaid Internships Are Unethical

By Utpal Dholakia Ph.D, 2019

"The prospect of future opportunities is not a substitute for a fair wage now."

The Law On Unpaid Internships: Know Your Rights

Target Jobs

"Many internships are paid, but unpaid internships are still offered. A 2018 report by the Sutton Trust reported that as many as 70% of internships were unpaid, and 27% of young graduates had completed an unpaid internship. Similarly, the Trendence UK Graduate Survey 2020 of almost 72,000 students revealed that 43% of students who had done an internship were not paid for it."