Story perspectives

Vogue Editor's Unpaid Interns Spark Employment Law Debate

4/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Plum Sykes, Vogue editor, uses unpaid interns to assist with her Substack.
Employment law allows unpaid internships only under specific conditions.
Sykes says the interns gain experience rather than performing productive work.
Critics, including Carl Cullinane from the Sutton Trust, say unpaid internships disadvantage working-class youth.
Sykes noted many applicants work part-time jobs but seek unpaid experience to enter the media field, signaling potential legislative changes.

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Story summary

Plum Sykes, Vogue editor, uses unpaid interns to assist with her Substack.
Employment law allows unpaid internships only under specific conditions.
Sykes says the interns gain experience rather than performing productive work.
Critics, including Carl Cullinane from the Sutton Trust, say unpaid internships disadvantage working-class youth.
Sykes noted many applicants work part-time jobs but seek unpaid experience to enter the media field, signaling potential legislative changes.