INSIGHT

Fact sheet: Growing your team: working with interns in your startup

By Veronica Siow
Startups Technology & Outsourcing Technology, Media & Telecommunications

In brief

Many startups look to grow their team by engaging interns, work experience students and other unpaid workers. This can be an attractive way for startups to expand their business at the same time as providing other aspiring entrepreneurs with valuable experience and mentoring. However, companies need to be aware of what the law considers acceptable and unacceptable unpaid work arrangements.

In many cases, interns who are essentially performing the work of an employee may be considered by a court to be an employee of that business, leaving the business on the hook for back-pay and other employment entitlements.

Learn more about how to ensure your business is entering into appropriate internship and unpaid work arrangements.