National Minimum Wage Act 1998 and Regulations 2015: Key legislation governing payment of interns. Must verify if internship qualifies for minimum wage exemption. Important to determine if intern classifies as a 'worker'. Student placements and work shadowing may be exempt from minimum wage requirements.
Working Time Regulations 1998: Governs working hours and rest periods. Covers mandatory rest breaks, maximum weekly working hours, and potential holiday entitlement if applicable to the internship arrangement.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Establishes employer's duty of care to interns, including health and safety requirements and necessary insurance coverage in the workplace.
Equality Act 2010: Ensures prevention of discrimination in the workplace, requires provision of reasonable accommodations if needed, and mandates fair selection process for interns.
Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: Regulates handling of personal information, requires privacy notices, and protects data protection rights of interns.
Employment Rights Act 1996: Covers basic workplace rights, confidentiality provisions, and intellectual property rights that may apply to interns.
Educational Purpose Definition: Practical requirement to clearly define the internship's educational and training purposes to justify unpaid status and ensure compliance with minimum wage exemptions.
Duration and Hours Specification: Practical requirement to clearly specify the internship duration and working hours in the offer letter.
Responsibilities Framework: Practical requirement to outline clear responsibilities and expectations of the intern during the placement.
Student Status Verification: Practical requirement to verify and document if the intern is a student, which is relevant for minimum wage exemption qualification.
Termination Provisions: Practical requirement to include clear terms regarding how either party can end the internship arrangement.
Expenses Policy: Practical requirement to specify if and how any expenses will be reimbursed during the internship.
Insurance Coverage: Practical requirement to specify insurance arrangements and coverage for the intern during the placement.
Confidentiality Requirements: Practical requirement to outline confidentiality obligations and any intellectual property arrangements during and after the internship.
