Plum Sykes, a prominent figure in the fashion world and former assistant to the legendary Anna Wintour, has recently come under fire for her use of unpaid interns to support her burgeoning Substack platform. With a following of over 20,000 subscribers and some paying as much as £65 for her insights, the lack of compensation for student workers has sparked renewed discussions about labour practices within the creative industries.
The Intern Controversy
Sykes, who has been linked to the character portrayed by Emily Blunt in “The Devil Wears Prada,” has enlisted students to assist with her writing and content production. These interns, while gaining experience, are not receiving any financial remuneration for their efforts. Critics argue that this practice, particularly from someone with Sykes’ background—she hails from a wealthy family and owns a Yorkshire estate—reflects a troubling norm in the industry.
One of Sykes’ interns reportedly gifted her a pair of luxurious Hermès gloves, priced between £500 and £1,000, raising eyebrows about the dynamics of unpaid internships. This revelation has only deepened the scrutiny directed at her, as it appears to indicate an imbalance in the perceived value of work and the expectations placed upon young contributors.
Industry Reactions
The fashion and media sectors have long grappled with the ethics of unpaid labour, a topic that has gained fresh momentum in light of Sykes’ situation. Pandora Sykes, a former editor and no relation to Plum, voiced her discontent regarding unpaid internships, asserting that there is no justification for such practices in 2026. “There is no place – NONE – in 2026 for not paying your contributors,” she remarked, highlighting the need for a shift in industry standards.
Plum Sykes acknowledged she does not currently compensate her interns but expressed hope for future changes. Her family ties include a baronetcy and a significant ancestral estate, which has prompted questions about her commitment to fair labour practices.
Legal and Ethical Implications
Under UK employment law, unpaid internships are legally permissible only under specific conditions, such as when the work is a requisite part of a student’s course or when it involves mere shadowing rather than productive tasks. However, if interns are engaged in meaningful work, they are entitled to the national minimum wage. Historical precedents, such as Condé Nast’s settlement of $5.8 million for underpayment of interns, underscore the potential legal ramifications of such practices.
Sykes argues that her interns are engaged in casual work experience rather than formal internships, claiming that they are shadowing her and gaining valuable insights into the industry. Yet, as critics like Carl Cullinane from the Sutton Trust point out, the trend of unpaid internships often disproportionately affects young people from working-class backgrounds, exacerbating inequality within the job market.
The Future of Internships
Sykes has noted that the current job market is so challenging that many individuals are willing to take on unpaid work in hopes of breaking into the media industry. She revealed that many applicants had already graduated but were still seeking unpaid opportunities to gain experience. This reflects a broader issue within the industry, where unpaid roles are seen as essential for career advancement, despite the ethical implications.
In light of this controversy, experts are calling for legislative changes to ensure that all workers receive fair compensation for their contributions. Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the TUC, emphasized that young professionals from less affluent backgrounds are often the ones who bear the brunt of unpaid labour practices.
Why it Matters
The ongoing debate surrounding unpaid internships, particularly in the creative sectors, raises critical questions about fairness, equity, and the future of work. As industries evolve, the expectation for young people to work without pay is not only an ethical dilemma but a potential violation of their rights. The case of Plum Sykes serves as a stark reminder that while gaining experience is invaluable, it should not come at the cost of financial security and dignity. The push for fair compensation is not just about wages; it is about recognising the worth of every contributor in an industry that thrives on creativity and talent.