I have struggled terribly to afford to live, I have had jobs on the side and interned in annual leave and in spare time, all of the money I saved went towards living costs and to travel to and from London. Some placements that I have completed were completely at my own expense and travel costs could not be refunded, a few were able to contribute but they don't come close to matching the £400 a month I pay just to travel in and out of London. I live in Buckinghamshire and I am struggling even to find temp work to survive in between placements.

I have now completed 8 unpaid internships in Media and I have two more fast approaching. I feel that much of the work I am asked to do is vital for the company's and that I should be paid for this work, at least minimum wage. I am worried that I will never manage to get a paid role because the only opportunities seem to be unpaid and it all seems to be about being in the right place at the right time.

If it really is against the law for the company's to be treating interns like this, then something really needs to be done. If the placements truly involve completing worthwhile work that is beneficial to the company then the interns should be paid at least minimum wage. The law should enforce this and company's will need to cut back to ensure that they are able to employ new staff.

The sad thing about it is the exclusivity of a good job. Right now, so many talented young graduates cannot afford to do these internships. I consider myself so blessed to have some family who can help me and to live within a commutable distance from London.

Enforce the company's to pay their interns minimum wage, even if it means that Mr Chief Executive in the big chair has to take a pay cut. That would be fairness. What is happening now is exploitation in the worst kind of way.

These company's rely upon the fact that they know graduates would do anything to have a chance to work. If one person can't work for free, there are thousands of others who can and will.

I have spoken to a few of my paid colleagues, and some of them interned for 14 months, up to 4 days a week, 9-5 until they were offered a job. I don't have the time or money to do this, and I don't understand why it is allowed. I totally value the experience I am getting (apart from the consistent laminating...)
I know the music/festival business is difficult to get into, but I never imagined this was the way forward. I moved to London so I could make the most of the opportunities, yet I am struggling financially due to not having a day off to allow myself to get a part time job to pay the rent. It's starting to really grate on me and I'm beginning to resent the company.
Has anyone else had this, especially within the music/festival/events business?