MP CONNARTY BATTLES FOR PROPER PAY FOR INTERNS WHO WORK FOR MP’S

Labour MP Michael Connarty is once again standing up for workers rights - this time the MP is championing the cause of young people taken on by MP’S as ‘interns’ often without a contract of employment or fixed pay -rates.

The employment of unpaid interns has been justified by some MP’S by saying that “ having a time working in Parliament as an assistant on their C.V. is payment enough as it opens doors to PR and corporate affairs jobs or as a way into working in the media”

Michael Connarty MP has made a submission to the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Members Estimates Committee to argue that in future young people employed by fellow MP’S to be employed formally as ‘Trainee Parliamentary Assistants’. They should be given a proper contract of employment and training relevant to the job. Michael points out that many of these young people are used as ‘cheap labour’ and given the same work as a paid member of staff and only a privileged few young people could work without remuneration.

Michael Connarty is quoted as saying “in 2008 I employed a third year student. The young man was hired as a “Trainee Parliamentary Assistant” given a short term contract of employment suitably drafted to cover his position as a trainee but importantly ensuring he had the rights of an employee”

Mr Connarty’s submission to the Speaker has been supported by the Chairman of the Employees trade union group. It is hoped that the matter and will be formally considered next weeks meeting of the Members Estimates Committees ‘Interns Summit’ convened to discuss interns employment rights.

‹ Back to News | Back to top ˆ | Print this page | Share this page