Golin B&B launches to offer free London accomodation for interns

Golin has launched a new initiative called Golin B&B for its next intake of interns. It aims to help reduce the barrier of London housing costs by providing a paid flat-share for their first month, followed by a 0% loan for a deposit and first month’s rent in the capital.

The launch comes as London Mayor Sadiq Khan calls for employers to offer loans to staff that covers their rental deposit. The Fifty Thousand Homes campaign aims to help workers with London’s steep house prices.

Golin’s next intake of interns (which the agency calls “Bright Young Things”) will be offered a paid flat-share with their fellow interns in London’s zone 1 or 2 for their first month, followed by a 0% loan for a deposit and first month’s rent in the capital to help with living costs for the remainder of their internship.

Golin B&B initiatives include:

• Flatshare for all interns together in London’s zone 1 or 2
• 0% PayLater loan for first month’s rent and deposit
• Reimbursing interview travel costs for those based outside of London
• Advice on budget, lifestyle & commute requirements, relocation essentials (such as SIM card and transport maps), help finding and registering with health services
• A Golin ‘B&B buddy’ to offer local tips for services, restaurants, gyms etc

The ‘Golin B&B’ initiative will launch in February 2017 when applications open for the agency’s spring intern intake.

Bibi Hilton, Golin MD, said: “If you want to move to London to start your career you need anywhere between £1,000 – £2,000 in your pocket for a deposit and the first month’s rent. That’s a significant sum of money for anyone, but if you don’t have family support or know anyone to stay with, then it is likely to prevent you being able to take up internship or a starter position.

“That’s a problem for us. We want to hire the best creative brains in the UK and we don’t want brilliant people turning down an internship with us or being put off applying in the first place due to the cost of living.

“We have always paid our interns and pay the London Living wage, but as London living costs soar it’s no longer enough. We want to ensure we don’t miss out on great talent from the far flung corners of the UK.”