Interns, if treated correctly, can act as a great recruitment channel, according to Angus MacGregor, HR director at law firm Eversheds.

A survey by the TUC last week claimed that as many one in three interns are being exploited at work.

MacGregor told Recruiterthat if interns are treated well, employers have every chance in attracting that intern for what is a comparatively small recruitment cost. However, he warns that if employers don’t make this investment, then they have no chance in exciting interns in the company brand and conversely can damage it because of the social networks interns have.

MacGregor says: “At Eversheds there are two main opportunities for interns. Through our Summer Vacation Scheme, interns get a two-week paid opportunity to spend time in two different legal departments completing real work with real responsibilities similar to the role of one of our trainees.

“Interns complete a robust programme and are assessed for a training contract during this two week period. We also provide school-aged/university students with the opportunity to receive work experience - shadowing, observing and attending client meetings.”