WIREDGOV

The CBI yesterday responded to the Government’s report on social mobility called Opening Doors, Breaking Barriers: A Strategy for Social Mobility.

Susan Anderson, CBI Director for Education & Skills, said:

“Taking an internship can be a great way for young people to gain workplace experience and develop vital employability skills, such as customer awareness and team working. Internships should always be openly advertised so that everyone has a fair chance of getting a placement.

“Interns who are working must be paid the national minimum wage. Many employers also support people doing work experience, for example, by paying travel expenses.

“We welcome the proposals to strengthen links between employers and local schools and communities.”

Notes to Editors:

The CBI is the UK's leading business organisation, speaking for some 240,000 businesses that together employ around a third of the private sector workforce. With offices across the UK, as well as representation in Brussels, Washington, Beijing and Delhi, the CBI communicates the British business voice around the world.

CBI Press Office on 020 7395 8239 or out of hours pager on 07623 977 854. Follow the CBI on Twitter at: www.cbi.org.uk/twitter