ABUSE to workers over poor pay for long hours is to be tackled by a local MP who is to raise the issue in the Houses of Parliament.

Phil Willis MP claims that parliamentary interns are treated badly and that they work an estimated 18,000 hours of unpaid work a week.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough has joined with union Unite to tackle the issue.

Statistics from Unite suggest that only one per cent of parliamentary interns are paid at least the minimum wage while 44 per cent do not even get travel expenses.

Mr Willis and Unite are calling on MPs and interns to attend an interns summit in Parliament that is calling for an end to the abuse.

Mr Willis said: "It’s very simple, interns work hard, and they should be paid for that work just like everyone else.

"These internships are more than just paid employment; they are a learning experience, and an insight into life in Parliament.

"By leaving them unpaid we exclude large chunks of the most talented in society who may never even consider this an option open to them.

"The interns summit will bring together MPs and interns from all parties so that we can really tackle this issue head on."

The summit is on October 12 from 6pm to 8pm with details and bookings via Helen Undy on 0207-2193-846 or undyh@parliament.uk.