HMRC cleared up the intern debacle long ago. For those who don't know, HMRC is responsible for enforcing minimum wage laws.

The way HMRC see it is thus:

If you are free to come and go as you please, and can refuse duties etc without penalty, then you can be classed as a volunteer and be unpaid. You will be entitled to expenses, but no monetary or any other compensation.

If, however, you are given regular hours and expected to keep them, are employed for an extended period (ie. longer than typical work experience) and you are assigned duties which you are obligated to complete, then it doesn't matter what they call you - you are technically entitled to the NMW.

Unfortunately HMRC are really [LIFTED] at enforcing it.

What it needs is one of these interns to take their "employer" to court - unfortunatly none will as you would hardly get a good reference if you did

But that is why the HMRC should be doing it. Though I suspect that the Tories will clamp down on them doing that.