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Unpaid Work Experience (Prohibition) Bill [HL]

A Bill to make provision for the prohibition of unpaid work experience exceeding four weeks, and for connected matters

Originating House

House of Lords

Last Updated

19 September 2019

In Plain English

AI-generated

The Unpaid Work Experience (Prohibition) Bill would ban unpaid work placements lasting longer than four weeks. It aims to stop people from being used as free labour for extended periods as part of education or training, and sets out related rules to support the ban. The bill would also cover procedures and definitions needed to enforce the prohibition.

Key Points

Prohibits unpaid work experience lasting more than four weeks.
The ban applies to employers offering unpaid placements as part of education, training, or career development.
Includes connected provisions to define terms and support enforcement of the prohibition.
Originated in the Lords and is currently progressing through the Commons at the 2nd reading.

Progress

Originating in the Lords, the Bill has been introduced to the Commons and is at the 2nd reading. If it advances, it will move to Committee stage and subsequent readings.

Who is affected?

Young people and students seeking or taking part in work experienceEmployers and organisations that provide unpaid placementsEducational and training providers that organise or supervise placements

Generated 21 February 2026