Survey shows 90% of Devon's 'child' workers are employed illegally

Up to 90% of children in Devon who undertake casual work do not have the necessary permits, a recent survey estimates.

The warning comes from Devon County Council at a time of year when many children of school age are looking for holiday jobs - many in the tourist industry - yet many will be working without the necessary permits.

The law states that "all children of compulsory school age who are employed in any trade or occupation carried out for profit, whether they receive payment or not, legally need a work permit from their local authority to take on a part-time job." The law applies equally to children employed in their family business - a fact that many parent employers are unaware of.

The permits are granted on certain terms and conditions of employment and are subject to permitted hours and types of work children are legally able to be employed in.

The County's Education Welfare Service provides an information leaflet on child employment which lists permitted areas of work and also those that are prohibited - which include working in industrial premises, cinemas and commercial kitchens, as well as refuse or money collection, selling alcohol, delivering milk, telephone sales and the personal care of residents in a nursing home.

When an employer applies for a work permit the Council carries out a risk assessment and keeps track of where children are working, monitors their hours and makes sure they are not involved in any dangerous activities. Businesses who do not comply with these laws are risking the safety of their young employee and could face fines of up to £1000 per offence.

For more information, or to discuss Child Employment Law or get a child work permit please contact Christine Ellison at Devon County Council's Education Welfare Service on 01392 384713 or email christine.ellison@devon.gov.uk

Devon County Council's child employment information leaflet and work permit application forms are available on request or can be downloaded from the Devon County Council website at www.devonldp.org (go to Learner Support and then Education Welfare).