There is no legal definition of an intern, however employment rules state that anyone whom has set hours and responsibilities and is contributing to work that is of value to their employer should be entitled to the minimum wage of £6.08 if aged 21 or over. According to the advert to work in Mr Hunt's office, candidates must be "capable of multi-tasking and show a willingness to complete work quickly and to a high standard". The duties, which incorporate numerous elements relevant to many paid graduate jobs, require applicants have a "good" telephone manner and "outstanding" written skills, as well as helping with the "day-to-day running of a busy office" and assisting with casework.
Nevertheless the job advert also makes clear the interns would get no wages in return - just travel expenses. The cabinet minister has since been accused of "monumental hypocrisy" by The National Union of Students, as the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, has repeatedly called for businesses - and MPs - not to employ unpaid interns. Earlier this year, the Liberal Democrat leader launched a campaign to reverse the culture of interns working for free, arguing his belief that unpaid internships discriminate against those from poorer backgrounds -consequently pledging in April that interns should be "properly remunerated". His words appear to have had little impact upon his Westminster colleagues, however, with several backbench MPs across all three main political parties continuing to advertise for unpaid interns.
The latest figures from Unite the union shows MPs hire about 450 interns a year, 69 per cent of which are unpaid. Just 24% receive paid expenses. A spokesman for Mr Hunt explained internships were offered in line with the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. He said: "Due to widespread demand, internships are offered in Jeremy Hunt's office to those who are looking for the opportunity to get hands on work experience and an insight into the world of politics. "Jeremy Hunt's Office is extremely proud of its track record of assisting previous interns in finding full time employment at the end of their three month internship."
Jordan, GRB Journalist
