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Over 100 businesses in the United Kingdom have signed up to an internship scheme by Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg.

The scheme encourages businesses to advertise internships and work experience places openly rather than through a network of informal contacts, a practice which Mr Clegg believes is stifling social mobility.

Also, while falling some way short of actually forcing the firms to be obliged to pay students on internships, the scheme does commit the companies to paying the minimum wage to interns - or at least offering them travel and subsistence expenses “where possible”.

Big name companies which have already signed up to the internship pledge include Asda, Barclays, BP, Coca Cola, HSBC, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Nestlé, Proctor &Gamble, Sainsbury's, Santander, Shell and Tesco.

Gordon Frazer, the managing director of Microsoft, which has also signed up to Mr Clegg’s internship plan, said: “Britain's young people have been some of the hardest hit in these difficult times and we want to do our part, working closely with the Government to raise aspirations and give them the opportunity to build their careers regardless of their background.”

After signing up so many big companies already, Mr Clegg is now writing to a further 50 firms to try to establish their support for his internship scheme.

“This is an important step towards a society where it’s what you know, not who you know, that counts. By opening their doors to young people from all walks of life, this marks the start of a culture shift among major employers, driven by the belief that ability and drive should trump connections and privilege,” said Mr Clegg.

Would you like to find an internship or some work experience relevant to your chosen career path? If so, you should search for opportunities in your region now from our Internships & Work Experience section.