Hard times

The English stereotype is of a nation that is rather good at obeying rules, both written and unwritten. Apparently we happily form queues, and respond to instructions from anyone wearing a uniform (except school children). But sometimes the rule book insists that we give other people our money, and that’s when we’re a little more reticent at toeing the line.

The Guardian reported recently that growing numbers of cash-strapped companies are turning to interns, but breaking the law by not following national minimum wage rules. Arts organisations were found to be among the worst offenders, with 92% of arts internships advertised being unpaid. In the New Year, the Department for Business Innovation and Skills is threatening to issue press releases naming and shaming those organisations that continue to flout the law and exploit their interns, so it is timely that Arts Council England has teamed up with CCSkills to produce a Guide to Internships in the Arts (p3). The guide reminds employers of their legal obligations, but the key section is about how to create a high quality internship. (It’s particularly relevant to us here at AP as we welcome our new editorial intern, Frances Richens). Unsurprisingly it is about applying the norms of good management practice to a more temporary situation.

In these straitened times there is also a temptation for arts organisations to make over-full use of volunteers to avoid having to employ staff. Volunteering England has produced guidelines on the treatment of volunteers, but as with any rule book there are grey areas. That is where unions such as Unison (p10) may choose to step in, unashamedly championing the rights of those who feel powerless to protest at their employer’s interpretation of the law.

So what lessons can we learn from this? Firstly, if we take advantage of our interns or volunteers, we are increasingly likely to be caught; but secondly, in this area, the letter of the law is less helpful than the spirit of the law. Being hard up is no excuse for exploitation.