Controversy Surrounds Plum Sykes' Unpaid Internships

Plum Sykes, a former personal assistant to Anna Wintour and an editor at Vogue, has come under scrutiny for employing unpaid interns to assist her with her new Substack venture. Despite her recognition as an inspiration for a character in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Sykes does not compensate her interns, raising questions about the ethics of unpaid labor in the fashion industry. Critics argue that this practice perpetuates inequality, particularly affecting young people from working-class backgrounds.

The Guardian

Employment law stipulates that unpaid internships are permissible only under specific conditions, such as being a mandatory part of a student’s course or involving only shadowing tasks. Sykes claims her interns fall within these guidelines, stating they engage in supplementary work that helps them gain experience and academic credits. However, critics highlight that if interns perform productive work, they are entitled to at least the national minimum wage.

The Guardian

Condé Nast, Sykes' employer, previously faced legal action for underpaying interns, resulting in a $5.8 million settlement. The company has since eliminated its internship program, citing bureaucratic challenges. Sykes lamented this change, indicating a shift in the industry that has forced individuals to replicate the unpaid internship model outside institutional frameworks.

The Guardian

Carl Cullinane, director of research and policy at the Sutton Trust, criticized the prevalence of unpaid internships, emphasizing their importance as a pathway to prestigious jobs. He stated, “It’s shocking that in this day and age, many employers still pay interns below the minimum wage, or worse, nothing at all.” Paul Nowak, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), echoed this sentiment, asserting that legislative changes are necessary to clarify the legality of unpaid work, particularly as it disproportionately affects young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Guardian

In response to the backlash, Sykes defended her practices, asserting that her interns voluntarily engage in casual work that does not constitute a formal internship. She noted that many applicants were individuals already working part-time jobs, indicating the challenging job market in media. Sykes emphasized that she only considered current students for these roles, as they could earn academic credits through their contributions.

The Guardian

The controversy surrounding Plum Sykes' use of unpaid interns highlights broader issues within the fashion and media industries regarding labor practices and equity. As the debate continues, the need for clearer regulations and ethical standards in internships remains pressing, particularly for young people seeking entry into competitive fields.

The Guardian

• “Internships are an increasingly critical route into the best jobs, and it’s shocking that in this day and age, many employers still pay interns below the minimum wage, or worse, nothing at all.” — Carl Cullinane, Director of Research and Policy, Sutton Trust

The Guardian

• “And it’s young people from working-class backgrounds who tend to lose out.” — Paul Nowak, General Secretary, TUC

The Guardian

• “There is a big legal difference between work experience and a formal, paid internship, which this is not.” — Plum Sykes, Editor at Vogue

The Guardian