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20 Jul 98

CHANGE IN LAW CONTROLLING CHILDREN'S EMPLOYMENT

The bye-laws in Poole relating to the employment of children will be changing as a result of new Government legislation.

Employment of Children is currently governed by the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and 1963 and local bye-laws.

These laws require all employers to obtain work permits for any of their employees who are of compulsory school age.

The Borough of Poole will be required to change its bye-laws on the employment of children. These changes will fall in line with new European Directives on the protection of young people at work.

The Council has been provided with model bye-laws which it is encouraged to adopt. Proposed changes include:
· removing the need for work permit application forms to be completed by a medical practitioner before the young person starts work
· specific work types being set for 13 year olds
· a list specifying occupations which young people are prohibited from undertaking.

Councillors on the Education Committee are keen to protect young people in employment and have further amended the bye-laws by recommending that young people should no longer be permitted to collect money door to door.

Inspections are already carried out by officers of the Council to ensure that young people aren't being employed outside of the regulations.

Paul Taylor, Head of Pupil and Parent Support, said: "We hope that this practice will be further enhanced in a bid to raise the profile of these new laws and the need for young people to obtain work permits, whilst continuing to protect the safety and welfare of young people at work."

-ends-

Kirsten Boundy, Pupil and Parent Support: 01202 261900