Is it unlawful to not pay at least the National Minimum Wage to interns? I cannot see them in the list of excluded categories but they are taken on to learn (OK, by doing work experience) and get their foot in the door of their chosen career rather than to do anything absolutely essential. But am I in breach of the NMW regulations if I do not pay anything but expenses?

Generally speaking an intern is not entitled to the National Minimum Wage (NMW), however, the intern may attract the NMW if he/she is be classified as a worker. This is a fine line that employer’s should be cautious of.

In the GB Tribunal case of Vetta v London Dreams Motion Pictures Ltd, it transpired that the intern was a worker. This was because the intern was given work that is more akin to that of a full-time employee and therefore was viewed as a 'worker'. An intern’s work should be temporary with an emphasis on training and learning and should not be exploited. If interns are given work and responsibilities that exceed that which is expected of an intern, the employer is putting