The National Union of Journalists is today handing a letter to HM Revenue and Customs naming and shaming employers who exploit journalists on work experience.
The union, which is also today launching Work Experience Guidelines, is demanding that the government investigate breaches of the National Minimum Wage legislation and take action to force media companies to comply. The NUJ's allegations are based on the results of a recent major survey of work placements.
NUJ General Secretary Jeremy Dear said: "A significant number of media companies – including some very big names – are acting in breach of the law. It is high time this shameful abuse of people wanting to enter our profession was stopped and we will be keeping the pressure on government to make sure action is taken."
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