Marvin OnumonuUnite has launched an apprenticeship charter and is urging employers to sign up to a set of minimum standards.
The charter covers pay, employment rights, fair treatment, training and development, health and safety, progression, representation and apprentice responsibilities.
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “Unite represents thousands of young people in apprenticeships and is totally focused on defending and improving their jobs, pay and conditions.
“Unite is lobbying employers up and down the county to sign up to our charter to ensure fair wages and treatment are baked into their apprenticeships.
“Apprenticeships should be a career pathway to skilled and secure work.”
Graham added: “While many employers offer this, the government needs to do more to stop bad bosses using apprenticeships as a source of cheap labour with training and contracts that go nowhere.”
Frazer Lake, national young members coordinator at Unite, said: “Unite supports apprentices in defending their rights, improving standards, and building strong futures across all industries.
“Apprentices who want support with workplace issues and to improve wages and working conditions should join Unite – there is power in a union.”
