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05/07/04 - Protecting children in holiday jobs

Cumbria County Council's Education Welfare Service is raising awareness about child employment as the summer holidays draw near. Summer is the time of year when young people are looking forward to the long break from school, wondering how they can fill the hours profitably.    

Employers must remember the following:   

  • Children under the age of 13 cannot work 
  • All those working need a permit issued by the Local Education Service unless they are legally able to leave school 
  • Young people cannot work before 7.00am or later than 7.00pm and their hours are restricted by their age. 
  • 13-14 year olds can work 5 hours Monday – Saturday, 2 hours on Sunday up to a maximum of 25 hours a week. 
  • 15-16 year olds can work 8 hours Monday - Saturday, 2 hours on Sunday up to a maximum of 35 hours a week. 
  • Young people are restricted to jobs they can undertake – some environments are simply not safe bearing in mind their age and experience.    

These details apply ONLY to holiday periods. Permitted working hours are reduced during term-time.   

Councillor Joan Stocker, Cabinet Spokesperson for Education says   

"Children of compulsory school-age can benefit from part-time work provided the employment is suitable and properly regulated. Ensuring these safeguards are in place protects the interests of young people, especially those who feel vulnerable standing up for their rights. It is important that we continue to raise awareness of the regulations among employers and parents to ensure that young people find their work experience a happy and fulfilling one."   

Mary Johnson, Child Employment Officer for Cumbria County Council says.   

"Now is a good time to remind everyone of the rules surrounding employing young people and why they are important. These rules are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of young people. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that they get a work permit for the employee and a risk assessment is carried out. The results of this assessment must be shared with the employee and their parent."    

For more information on how to get a permit or for any information about employing young people, please contact Janet Poultney on 01946 595346, or Mary Johnson on 01768 242072