Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN WITH JOBS OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL AT RISK - BROOKE

November 19, 2007 12:00 AM

The laws covering the children having jobs outside school are 'chaotic and unworkable', leaving thousands of children at risk and stopping others from working at all, according to the Liberal Democrats.

A Liberal Democrat survey of local authorities in England showed that in some areas very few, often fewer than ten, work permits for schoolchildren are being issued despite them being required by law to make sure a workplace is safe.

The research also shows that the number of children injured while at work outside school has doubled in the last four years.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for Government guidance to clarify the over 200 pieces of legislation covering children in employment, where the main law dates back to the 1930s.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Children Spokesperson, Annette Brooke MP said:

"The Government is sitting idly by while thousands of children who have jobs outside school are at danger of being injured while working.

"There is a worrying trend of more children being injured at work, but ministers are simply refusing to act.

"Simple checks are needed to make sure workplaces are safe for young people, but councils are bogged down by chaotic and unworkable legislation.

"Having a job whilst still at school can be an excellent way for young people to learn new skills and earn some money, but it is essential that workplaces are suitable and safe for them.

"While some councils are ignoring the law, others are enforcing it too strictly, stopping children from taking perfectly sensible jobs. It is ridiculous that laws from the 1930s are stopping young people enjoying the benefits of working outside school."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your contact details, Annette Brooke MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your contact details, Annette Brooke MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    middorsetlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2007/078401/thousands-of-children-with-jobs-outside-of-school-at-risk-brooke
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    annettebrooke.co.uk/a13mj

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image

    Print this page

  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your contact details, Annette Brooke MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join the Liberal Democrats

  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    If you are a resident of the constituency and are writing to discuss any issue that Parliament or government is responsible for, you must provide your home address as MPs are generally only permitted to act on behalf of constituents.

    If you are not a constituent, you do not need to provide your address, but the matters we can deal with are more limited and you may wish to contact your local MP in the first instance.

    • If you agree, Annette Brooke MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Contact us by email, post, or phone