The main business in the Commons yesterday was the second reading of a bill which seeks to ban unpaid internships and bring them within the scope of the minimum wage legislation. It sounds superficially attractive but in reality all that would happen is that there would be a reduction in the number of work experience opportunities available. Also, if someone is working for an employer then they are already entitled to be paid under the existing legislation.
Whilst the debate was taking place news broke that Stephen Phillips had resigned as the MP for Sleaford and Hykeham. Although he voted leave he takes a different view to the government on how we should now proceed and has decided to step down causing another by-election. I see he had almost 35000 votes in the last general election so I imagine there will be plenty of applicants for the seat.
David Nuttall 