Many youngsters like to earn extra money by taking on a part-time job, but children who are still of compulsory school age (up to age 16), must by law have a work permit. Many employers are unaware of this fact, or of the restrictions applied to the hours and types of job that children can do.

A survey undertaken by the TUC in the UK found that
• 1.5 million children are working
• 485,000 are working illegally
• 100,00 children admitted truanting in order to work
• 25% of children work before 6am or after 8pm
• 60% are under performing at school due to working

The primary legislation covering the employment of school children is the Children & Young Persons Act of 1933. This provides that children cannot work before 7am or after 7pm, and must be a minimum age of 13. The person who employs the child has a legal duty to apply for a work permit and must ensure that none of the regulations are contravened. Employers who employ children without a work permit or are in contravention of the law are liable to prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

The overriding concern is for the safety and welfare of children, and to ensure that their education does not suffer by working illegal hours. Anyone wanting advice on all aspects of child employment can contact the Council’s Child Employment Officer, Lynne Richardson, based at Chantry House, Wakefield on 01924 305652 or email lrichardson@wakefield.gov.uk