Directory

Access tools

Set Text size

A

|

A

|

A

Set Contrast

A

|

A

|

A

Text only
Translation
Listen

News

Child Employment – Do you know the score?

The Borough of Poole is fighting hard to raise awareness of the laws around child employment and has recently been successful in prosecuting an offending local employer.

Paul Taylor, Head of Pupil & Parent Support Services, Borough of Poole, said: "There is national legislation governing the employment of children. Any child who has a part-time job must have a work permit. It is the employer’s responsibility to apply for the work permit from the local authority, failure to do so will result in the child being employed illegally. We have been campaigning to raise awareness of this issue for a long time and this recent prosecution is very positive for us and for the rights of children at work."

Some facts about child employment legislation:

• It is illegal for a child to be employed under the age of 13

• A child may not start employment before 7.00am or finish after 7.00pm \n
• On school days and Sundays a child may not be employed for more than a total of 2 hours per day \n
• On Saturdays and Monday – Friday during school holidays, a child aged 13 / 14 may be employed for a total of 5 hours per day, to a maximum of 25 hours per week. A child aged 15 / 16 may be employed for a total of 8 hours per day, to a maximum of 35 hours per week \n
• During Term time, total hours worked per week for all ages must not exceed 12 hours \n
• There are certain types of employment that are prohibited for health and safety reasons, such as industrial undertakings.

Failure to comply with the legislation is a criminal offence punishable by maximum £1000 fine per offence and / or a 3-month prison sentence.

Tony Woodcock, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Education, Borough of Poole, said: "It is essential that employers are aware and abide by this law for the safety and welfare of our children. The Borough of Poole has worked hard over the past few years to raise awareness of this issue and this recent prosecution is an excellent step forward."

Kirsten Boundy, Pupil & Parent Support Services, Borough of Poole, Tel (01202) 262271