Nick Clegg backs PR agencies bid on social mobility compact
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is reported to be backing a campaign being launched this week by PRWeek and the PRCA to put a stop to unpaid internships.
The PRCA placed a list of member agencies on its website of those who commit to paying at least National Minimum wage to interns, although just 21 out of 264 member agencies committed themselves.
In an exclusive column for PR Week, Clegg urges PR agencies to scrap unpaid internships.
He comments: “The fact is, workplaces across Britain desperately need to be opened up, and PR is no exception. Too often it's who you know - not what you know - that counts.”
In the article, Clegg encourages 'every company across the PR industry' to sign up to his social mobility strategy 'business compact'.
The compact calls on businesses to commit to opening up internships to everyone - not just the well off.
PR Week writes that PRCA chief executive Francis Ingham has urged his members to get on to the list of intern-paying agencies as soon as possible.
“The register of consultancies will be vital in helping prospective interns to make informed choices, and in driving up standards within the industry,” said Ingham.
In the New Year the PRCA, supported by PRWeek, will launch an accreditation scheme developed by Talk PR that will give graduates recognition for their efforts during their internship, with the aim of increasing their employability in the future.