DTI Work Experience Guidelines
The Department of Trade and Industry (now the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, or BIS) and HM Revenue and Customs have published guidelines for work experience in the television industry. These guidelines have been co-ordinated by Skillset at the request of the industry and in consultation with the main employers, trade associations and trade unions. They are intended to offer practical advice rather than definitive statements of law. Whilst developed for, and with, the TV industry these guidelines have resonance and equally may apply across all of the creative media industries.
Skillset are publishing these guidelines on our website to make them easily accessible. However, please note we have no role in monitoring or advising on their application. We would encourage employers and individuals to seek their own independent advice on the application of these guidelines.
The National Minimum Wage helpline number is 0845 6000 678. The helpline in Northern Ireland is 0845 6500 207. As well as receiving complaints about non-payment of the minimum wage, the helpline takes calls for advice and information.
DTI Work Experience Guidelines
TV industry employers, associations and unions have expressed their support for the guidelines:
"The BBC welcomes the publishing of these guidelines. We hope they will ensure consistent standards in work experience placements across the industry."
Stephen Kelly, BBC HR Director
"ITV welcomes this step in providing guidance and best practice for broadcasting and production companies. The guidance will complement ITV's own work experience policy and practices, and will help to ensure that the genuine value added by work experience can be interpreted consistently across our industry."
Sally Milne, Head of Resourcing and Diversity, ITV plc
"The work experience guidelines have given us an opportunity to benchmark our existing approach. We aim to provide a range of options that support students, encourage diversity and grow talent for the future. The guidelines provide a framework to guide and support our managers in ensuring we achieve this and offer a valuable learning experience for all involved."
Diane Herbert, Director of Human Resources, Channel 4
"Pact is pleased that after an extended period of discussion with the industry and the DTI we now have clarity on what constitutes a legitimate work placement. Pact will be issuing guidelines based on the DTI advice to all of its member companies shortly."
John McVay, Chief Executive of Pact
"BECTU welcomes these guidelines. Some employers have abused work experience placements in the past: we will be using the new guidelines to help stop that abuse."
Martin Spence, Assistant General Secretary, BECTU
"Leopard Films Ltd has a long history of offering work experience placements. Many of our staff started with the company in this capacity, many of whom have gone on to become successful coordinators, PAs, researchers, producers and directors. We do see real value in work experience and the new guidelines answer all the questions we have as a company about running a scheme that ensures both Leopard and our participants gain the maximum from the experience."
Susie Field, Managing Director, Leopard Films
If your computer has the relevant software, click the document icons or document titles to view the relevant document. Right-click (PC) or hold your mouse-button down (Mac) on the document icon/title, you'll be given the option to save the file to disk. If you don't have the necessary software to view the documents, take the above links to download free reader programs.