Lisa Guscott an employment specialist at Watkins and Gunn Solicitors considers the law relating to Child workers.

Many potential employers will be unaware of the legislation regarding the employment of school age children.  The laws are put in place in order to protect children whilst at work and some of the key requirements are that children may not work -

•  until they are 13 years old
• without an employment permit issued by the education department of the local council
• in any industrial setting
• during school hours
• before 7.00 am or after 7.00 pm
• for more than one hour before school
• for more than four hours without taking a break of at least one hour
• in any prohibited occupations, such as pubs and betting shops
• in any work that may be harmful to their health, well-being or education
• without having a two week break from any work during the school holidays in each calendar year

During term time children may work a maximum of 12 hours per week. Whereas during school holidays 13 to 14 year olds may up to 25 hours per week and 15 to 16 year olds up to 35 hours per week.

Employers are required to register any child in their employment with the local authority, although this does not apply to work experience. They must carry out a risk assessment for each child.

A paper round is still the most commonly held job for school age children, however it can also be one of the most dangerous jobs particularly when working alone on dark mornings or evenings. Children working without a permit from the local authority may not be covered by insurance and so employers may run the risk of having claims made against them should a child be injured and they can also face a fine of up to £1000.

So it remains very important that parents and employers are aware of the law as a lack of awareness and understanding can leave young people vulnerable to exploitation and injury.