I find it totally objectionable that large private companies are using free labour to do work that they would otherwise have to pay for, and pay tax for.

If I could set rules:

Free placements should only be used to MATCH new jobs created.

Free placements should be subject to Tax and NIC contributions as iof they were paid posts.

It would be illegal for unpaid workers to do any work whatsoever that is also being done by paid staff (but see exception for small businesses)

It would be illegal to make a person redundant to make room for a free placement.

Both offences would lead to massive fines and a criminal record for the directors and top-level executives of the company.

Priority should go to small businesses to cover the costs of bringing a potential new worker up to steam before employment. This would at least help small businesses gain the capacity to offer real employment.

Anyway thats my rant