Internships

The principle you aspire to JohnB has merit and should (in the main) be adhered to. However you are not talking 'qualified' workers here. Internships are (as I understand them) another word for 'apprenticeship' and thus you are dealing from the outset with unqualified people. To be of use and an asset to the company they need training which can be a 'can of worms' in itself. Some are eminently suited, others not so and it is to this disparity the employer has to address his concern when dealing with the 'intern'. There should be a set of rules governing this situation but I am not equated with sufficient facts on the subject to make a final judgment on your observations. Perhaps some others (who are in possession of all the facts) may add to the discussion without playing too much on the scaremongering downside that seems to underlay your questions.

My friends son went for a job last week in a local bar/restaurant, he was given a trial (unpaid) and worked from 9pm to 5am!
He got the job and his usual hours will be 9pm-2am Fri/Sat nights.
I thought 15 year olds had restrictions on what hours they worked, is that not the case?

There are. Night work is usually prohibited.

That's what I thought, the boy is only just 15 a few weeks ago and I was amazed that the employer doesn't provide a taxi home for them!
Some years ago I worked in a similar place and they provided taxis for the staff to get home safe

Daughter is 15 now, have to see if she can work all night in a bar and then make her own way home......NOT.

Daughter is 15 now, have to see if she can work all night in a bar and then make her own way home......NOT.

Child bride.

I agree with you all the way John. If someone is worthy of work, they are worthy of pay. I guess some employers see the intern's need for work experience and exploit it.