Labour leader hopeful pledges to end unpaid internships

Burnham’s manifesto for the Labour leadership campaign, which was published this week, said the former health secretary would work with business to "end the practice of unpaid internships lasting more than three months".

It added: "All placements should be supported by the national minimum wage at least".

Burnham said he wanted to end unpaid internships because it was becoming harder for young people, whose parents do not have the necessary contacts, to break into certain professions.   

"The trend towards unpaid work and internships across all sectors and industries is placing the most attractive and powerful jobs beyond the reach of young people with the least means and connections," he said.

Burnham added that he would also explore giving students "extended access" to student finance for a period after graduation to enable them to take unpaid work experience on leaving university, or to look into subsidising an internship on minimum wage.

"I will also propose that all work experience, placements and internships be advertised by law so that the opportunities they present are available to all, not just to those in the know", he said.

The Labour Party will announce the results of its leadership ballot on 25 September.