716 interns work for free in public sector in last two years

MORE than 700 people have worked for no pay across the public sector in the past two years as part of the FÁS work placement programme.

Figures from state training agency, FÁS, show that between June 2009 and June 2011, there were 716 starts recorded on work placement programmes in the public sector.

Under the scheme, the public sector as well as the private sector can apply to offer unpaid work placements for a period of nine months.