A national standard for work experience provision for SMEs was launched by the National Council for Work Experience (NCWE) on 23rd November.

The NCWE Quality Mark (QM) recognises companies that offer quality internships but, so far, this seal of approval has only been available to large organisations. The growth of the scheme to include SMEs will help those businesses attract and compete for some of the best graduate talent.

While unionised staff from some of the UK’s largest organisations disrupt vital services by striking in protest at wage freezes and reduced hours, small business employees have, in stark contrast, been rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck in.

Thousands of UK students planning to supplement their income by working during the summer holidays should ensure that their employer issues them with a P38(S) form when they start work, warns Richard Mannion, national tax director at Smith & Williamson, the accountancy and financial services group.