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15/10/03 - New Child Employment Officers for the County

This week, Cumbria’s Education Welfare Service is delighted to announce the appointment of Janet Poultney and Mary Johnson, two new Child Employment and Entertainment Officers. Cumbria County Council has funded the 2 posts to fulfil their statutory obligation in relation to Child Employment and Children who take part in Performances in the County.

Janet and Mary are based in Whitehaven and Penrith respectively.  They will be working closely with young people in the community as well as parents and employers to ensure that young people continue to enjoy their work experience in a safe and happy environment.   

County Councillor Joan Stocker Cabinet Spokesperson for Education says

“I am delighted that Cumbria County Council has been able to fund such important posts.    

Children of compulsory school age can benefit greatly from part-time work provided that the type of employment is suitable and properly regulated.  We want to raise awareness of the regulations among employers and parents to ensure that young people find their work experience a happy and fulfilling one.  Cumbria Education Welfare Service work hard to devise strategies to work in collaboration with other agencies and these new officers will be able to develop the existing initiatives for the benefit of the young people in this County.”   

Janet is looking forward to her new role, she says

“The legislation relating to young people who perform is very complex and exists to protect young people who take part in performances, sporting events or work for modelling agencies. To date, the Service has considered and if appropriate, granted licences for these activities. In the future we will be ensuring that they visit all venues, at which these young people will work, and make sure they are suitable and safe.  If required a Matron will be put in place to supervise the young people.” 

Commenting on her new challenging role, Mary says   

“Employers must ensure that young people who they employ are safe and treated fairly.  The creation of these two new posts for Cumbria will make sure that employers are aware of the legislation and make sure that the young people they employ enjoy their work and learn new skills within a safe and happy environment. It is vital that all concerned with this issue understand that employers could face prosecution if they continue to employ young people illegally. More importantly, employers insurance may not be valid if a young person working without a permit suffered an accident in the workplace.”    

The main aims that will be addressed are as follows:

  • Inform and raise awareness of the relevant legislation to Employers, Parents and Young People. 
  • Work pro-actively in the County as well as responding to referrals from interested parties.
  • Forge useful working links with other Agencies and Employers to ensure effective communication.
  • Work with Employers to ensure they understand the Byelaws
  • Ensure that Work Permits and Child Performance and Entertainment Licences are issued appropriately.
  • Centralise the procedures for vetting Matrons and Chaperones.
  • Prosecute Employers who employ young people illegally.
  • Ensure the revision of the County Byelaws as necessary.