Unpaid Internships Widen Access Gap Between Working- and Middle-Class Graduates

A Sutton Trust study reveals that unpaid and underpaid internships disproportionately benefit middle-class graduates, exacerbating inequality in career opportunities.

• The Sutton Trust reports a growing gap in internship access, with 55% of middle-class graduates completing internships compared to 36% of working-class graduates.
• Unpaid or underpaid internships account for 61% of placements, often forcing interns to rely on family support or savings to participate.
• Internships are increasingly secured through personal connections, with middle-class graduates benefiting from family and professional networks.
• Graduates in London are more likely to have internship experience than those in other UK regions, highlighting geographic disparities.
• The Sutton Trust calls for a ban on unpaid internships lasting four weeks or longer and stricter enforcement of minimum wage laws to promote fair access.

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