Does your child have a weekend job or work after school?

Did you know that if your child has a weekend job or works before or after school they must  have a work permit and that this is law? Your child's employer is legally responsible for applying for the permit and that failure to do so can lead to prosecution and heavy fines.

The law is there to protect the children - work permits can only be issued for work that is allowed by law and only  for the hours children are permitted to work. Children working without a permit are employed illegally and may not be covered by their employers insurance. This has serious implications for those children who are injured at work and need compensation.

The hours children can work vary according to their age and whether it is term or holiday time. The legislation surrounding the employment of children is complicated. If you are concerned that your child is working illegally with no permit, or has a permit but being is being unfairly treated, you can contact the Education Welfare Officer responsible for Child Employment who will be able to help you. Her name is Christine Ellison and she can be contacted by phone on 01392 384713,

by email at christine.ellison@devon.gov.uk             

or by letter to Mrs C. Ellison, EWS, Great Moor House, Bittern road, Sowton, Exeter, EX2 7NL