SIR – I had to write a letter to the Worcester News after listening to an interview with Iain Duncan Smith [Secretary of State for Work and Pensions].

He said that people on work experience – also known as slave labour – are being paid by the taxpayer.

Firstly, why aren’t they being paid the minimum wage?

Secondly, if it’s voluntary, why are they getting their benefits stopped if they refuse to do it?

If the jobs are there for work experience, why are they not there for paid employees? Or would this mean less profit for the companies?

JENIFER SHORE

Worcester