Work experience rights motion passed

A motion at the NUJ centenary ADM to improve rights for those on work experience placements has been passed unanimously.

The motion requests the NUJ to urge media organizations to stop exploitation of new graduates across the UK.

Earlier the union’s general secretary Jeremy Dear, in an address to student members at the conference, assured the participants that the union will take a strong stand on the issue of work placement.

Jeremy said that the National Union of Journalists is the first organization to work with journalism students to produce best practice guidelines for the treatments of those on work experience.

Jeremy also informed students about the recent survey conducted by the NUJ that shows alarming exploitation of students on work placements.

According to the survey more than 80% of the students on placements had their work published or broadcast during their work experience placements. Of these, 82% of the students did not get receive any payments for their work.

The NUJ has published work experience guidelines to inform students about their rights as a number taking courses in journalism are foreign students as well.

HR Revenues & Customs insists that work experience placements undertaken by non-students are covered by minimum wage regulation.