Date 2 August 2011
Work experience is a placement on employer’s premises in which a student carries out a particular task or duty, or a range of tasks or duties, more or less as would an employee, but with the emphasis on the learning aspects of the experience. It can be beneficial for both employers and students. It can provide recruitment opportunities for your business whilst giving students an insight into the world of work. Here are some issues to bear in mind if you are considering work experience placements:
Induction
Prior to the placement you would have no doubt been in touch with the student personally or via their school or college explaining the basic terms of the placement. However, it is also good practice to conduct an induction with the work experience student introducing him to the relevant people and informing him of relevant health and safety information.
Payments
Work experience placements are unpaid. However, you should ensure you bear in mind the distinction between workers and interns.
Hours of work
The Working Time Regulations apply to work experience students as well as employees. You should therefore ensure that they are not being asked to work excessive hours and that they are taking adequate rest breaks.
Insurance
You should inform your insurers of the placement and the types of work the student may carry out and ensure that they confirm their acceptance of the risk in writing.
Confidentiality
Depending on the nature of the business, you may consider providing a contract for the work experience student, setting out the terms of the placement and incorporating a confidentiality clause. (link to a precedent work experience contract?)
Related Articles - you may also be interested in reading Chris's blog 'Intern or Worker?'
If you would like more information or advice relating to a specific matter, please do not hesitate to contact Chris Cook on 01727 798000 or by email at chris.cook@salaw.com.
© SA LAW 2011
Every care is taken in the preparation of our articles. However, no responsibility can be accepted to any person who acts on the basis of information contained in them. You are recommended to obtain specific advice in respect of individual case