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@dan
Hmm.. I'm not so sure about that actually. I think that design is less susceptible to that as an industry than many others, given that it's talent driven.
As for the free working situation —*you can argue that from both sides really..
It's a sad fact that most design education in this country (particularly graphic design) rarely leaves students with a complete set of skills with which to enter the world of work. For a small studio, employing someone as a junior designer for even as little as £18k is a HUGE risk. Taking that chance on someone with essentially no working references, a portfolio created under zero pressure from clients and probably little or no client-facing experience etc is an even bigger risk. One that could feasibly bankrupt a small studio...
I think people doing short shifts (2 weeks) of unpaid work experience can benefit both sides, as long as expenses etc are paid. That said I think there is an inherent danger, where it's possible to get stuck doing endless work experience and never get a job.
The bottom line is, if you are good and you have any people skills you will get a job eventually. Or develop enough on your own to work for yourself—*which can be much better than having a 9 to 5...