County check on children in the workplace

Newsagents and shopping centres are being targeted across the county as West Sussex County Council is getting actively involved in National Child Employment month this April.

The event is run by the National Network for Children in Employment and Entertainment to raise awareness of the potentially detrimental effect working can have on the education and welfare of children.

Over the course of the month, County Council Education Welfare Officers will be visiting newsagents to make enquiries about the children who work there, both in shops and on paper rounds.

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Officers will also be visiting markets, shopping centres and any other places where children may be working.

Employers will be reminded of the work that children can and cannot carry out in the workplace, the hours they are allowed to work, the importance of work permits and the penalties of not following the correct procedures – currently a fine of up to £1,000.

West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Children- Start of Life, Peter Evans, said: “We’re not trying to worry employers about prosecution but we are passing on a helpful reminder of the current laws that govern child employment.

“Having a part-time job can be very beneficial to a young person, but their education has to be the number one priority.”

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The County Council is also asking schools in West Sussex to educate students and inform parents and guardians about the initiative and the legislation on child employment.

For further information email: [email protected]