Legal Updates

Media & Entertainment Law – New Guidelines Published to Promote Fair Work Placements in the TV Industry

The HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), on 5 February 2007, published new guidelines (“Guidelines”) in relation to the National Minimum Wage in order to promote fair work placements in the TV Industry.

According to the Guidelines:

• There should be a written confirmation to provide a framework for the placement;
• Placements should be for a limited period of time (ideally two weeks, but at most a month where it is necessary for the placement to be a genuine learning experience);
• Hours of attendance should be limited to 40 hours a week;
• Specific learning objectives must be agreed between the placement provider and individual;
• A volunteer (unpaid), should be under no obligation to perform activities stipulated by an employer; and
• Where there is a placement the National Minimum Wage may apply.

See http://www.gnn.gov.uk/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=261765&NewsAreaID=2 for further details.

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© RT COOPERS, 2007. This Briefing Note does not provide a comprehensive or complete statement of the law relating to the issues discussed nor does it constitute legal advice. It is intended only to highlight general issues. Specialist legal advice should always be sought in relation to particular circumstances.