Unpaid work experience is in the spotlight as the Government’s initiative to get job hunters real-life workplace skills comes under fire.

A number of big-name companies have already dropped out of the scheme in which volunteers aged 16-24 take an unpaid placement for up to eight weeks.

But they risk losing their benefits for a fortnight if they drop out early – leading to cries of ‘forced labour’ from campaigners.

Opponents have also criticised some of the companies involved for taking workers for free when they're raking in huge profits.

Employment Minister Chris Grayling is holding talks with dozens of firms today, some of which want the threat of losing benefits dropped.

What do you think?

Is the scheme an unfair one or is it right that there should be a penalty for people who don’t hang around?

Please comment below and vote in the poll.