The Social Mobility Commission is expected to argue in its annual report, to be released later this week, that long unpaid placements for early-career professionals should be banned on the grounds that they hinder social mobility. As stints of unpaid work become a prerequisite for later obtaining a paid position, those who can’t afford to work for free are being blocked from securing a foothold in competitive professions like law.
Barrier to entry
According to a survey conducted by the Junior Lawyers Division (JLD), at least 23 per cent of JLD members have undertaken at least six months so far in their careers, with 3 per cent admitting they have worked for free for a period of two years or more. JLD chair Bryan Scant said he would welcome moves to outlaw unpaid work for periods longer than four weeks, as will likely be proposed by SMC chair Alan Milburn: ‘Gaining work experience is often vital to obtaining a position as a trainee solicitor, however that should not be limited to those who have the financial means to support themselves,’ he explained. The SMC annual report is due out later this week.
Sources: Law Gazette; The Times
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