Young adults working for free

Recent research by a discount website has found that two thirds of young adults would work unpaid just to gain experience in their chosen field.

The findings revealed that 65 percent of 18-30 year olds who are currently out of work would work unpaid, and of the respondents, more than one in 10 said that they had already done so.

The website, VoucherCodesPro.co.uk, carried out the research as part of a study into the financial situation of Britons.

It involved asking 1,883 unemployed people aged 18-30 from the UK about how they manage their finances, and about their approach to finding work.

Marketing and PR jobs were found to be the most likely positions for people to take unpaid, at 25 percent, with roles in the Media and Fashion sectors coming close behind (at 18 percent and 12 percent respectively).

The respondents who had worked unpaid were also questioned about whether their employer had ever suggested that their positions might become more permanent. Eighty-eight percent said ‘no’ and only seven percent said that their jobs had ended up becoming permanent roles.

In addition, 46 percent of the people who had worked unpaid said that, at the same time, they had gained second jobs for which they were paid. 36 percent said that they are ‘totally against’ the idea of unpaid work.

The CEO of VoucherCodesPro.co.uk, Nick Swan, said: “Often, young people wanting to get their foot in the ladder of their chosen career will go to great lengths to get a job somewhere; even if they don’t get paid, it seems.”

He also added: “Whilst gaining good, solid experience in a sector can really help a young adult to progress, it shouldn’t come at a cost. Working two jobs and exhausting yourself just because you don’t get paid for one of them and can’t financially support yourself is a big no no.”

Phoebe Arentsen, a second-year German and History student, commented: “It shows how desperate people are to get employment, and proves that we’re not all just benefit scroungers as the government seem to think!”