Scots firms lead UK in pay for interns

New research from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has revealed that Scottish companies are among the UK’s best when it comes to paying interns.

The ACCA data shows that only three per cent of internships offered by Scottish businesses and those in London were unpaid, the joint best in the UK.

In the south west of England the figure was far higher at 19 per cent while Yorkshire was 14 per cent.

Although ha l f of Scottish companies have never hired an intern this was second only to London region in the UK where it was 38 per cent.

Craig Vickery, head of ACCA Scotland, said: “The survey shows very positive results for Scotland.

Scottish companies are making real progress in offering young people a chance in the job market.

One of the biggest barriers young people face when entering the job market is the lack of experience, and paid internships are a great way to help bridge that gap.

“It was also heartening to see that 58 per cent of the internships offered were of a significant period of time.”