Employment Contract Template for Interns (UK 2025)

When You Need This Contract

Internship arrangements require careful legal structuring to determine whether the intern is a worker entitled to NMW or a genuine volunteer undertaking a work experience placement. If the intern performs productive work that benefits the business, they are almost certainly a worker and must receive at least NMW. This template covers paid internship arrangements with structured learning objectives, fixed duration terms, and the supervision framework that makes an internship a valuable development experience rather than just cheap labour.

Key Clauses

• Fixed-term duration with clear start and end dates
• Structured learning objectives and development plan
• Supervisor assignment and regular review meetings
• NMW compliance with correct rate for the intern's age
• Conversion pathway from internship to permanent role if applicable

What to Watch Out For

• Treating an intern as a volunteer to avoid paying NMW when they are actually performing productive work for the business
• Not providing structured learning objectives, making the internship indistinguishable from a standard junior role

Sample Clauses

• Sample learning objectives clause: 'This internship is designed to provide practical experience in [field]. Your learning objectives include [specific skills]. Your supervisor will conduct fortnightly reviews to assess progress against these objectives and ensure the placement is providing genuine developmental value.'
• Sample duration clause: 'This internship is for a fixed period of [X] weeks/months, commencing [date] and ending [date]. There is no guarantee of permanent employment following the internship, although the Company may offer a permanent role subject to business needs and satisfactory performance.'