#WorkTrialsOnTrial

SNP MP writes to opposition leaders on unpaid work trials

SNP MP Stewart McDonald has written to opposition leaders in Holyrood asking them to publicly support his Private Members Bill aimed at banning unpaid trial work periods.

Trial shifts entail working for free, in order to secure a job, and are common practice in the UK - particularly in hospitality - and Stewart McDonald’s Bill seeks to end exploitative, unpaid trial shifts for workers.

Stewart McDonald has now written to all the opposition leaders at the Scottish Parliament in the hope they will back the Bill, and encourage colleagues in Westminster to vote in favour of it.

Stewart McDonald MP commented :

"Unpaid trial shifts are exploitative to workers - particularly young people, students and migrants. If people are going to be offered a trial period where they apply their skills in the hope of securing work then they should be paid fairly and properly.’’

"I very much look forward to working with trade unions, employers, students and colleagues from all political parties in drafting my Bill and ending this exploitative practice within our economy. People trying to secure work deserve to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect - and have full protection of the law to ensure they are not exploited.

“I have now written to opposition leaders in the Scottish Parliament asking them to publicly support my Bill banning unpaid trial work and ensure their MPs do too.’’