Tynwald is to be asked to amend regulations governing the employment of children.
Changes to the Employment of Children (Amendment) Regulations that were approved in 2005 will be tabled at the April sitting of Tynwald by the Department of Education and Children (DEC).
Graham Cregeen MHK, Minister for Education and Children, said:
‘We recognise the value of young people working, whether it be a traditional Saturday job, after-school employment or work during school holidays.
‘This gives them an income, experience of the workplace and skills that prove useful when they gain full-time employment.
‘However, the regulations exist to safeguard young people at a crucial time in their education and we are seeking to update them.
‘Existing regulations allow 15-year-olds to work up to 35 hours’ paid work a week, which is not realistic considering they are engaged in studies,’ the Minister said.
‘Our proposed amendment means children of compulsory school age will only be permitted to work up to 28 hours a week, the same as the regulations permit for younger children.
‘Another amendment, if agreed, will allow 16 to 18-year-olds, to work in nightclubs collecting glasses and cleaning.
‘At present, even 16 to 18-year olds who have left school can’t occupy such roles, which is a clear anomaly.
‘This change is welcomed by the Licensing Forum, whose members struggle to recruit people for these roles.
‘We are also seeking to update rest breaks on a scale, depending on hours worked.’
The regulations specify the start and finish hours and type of work children can undertake and these would be unchanged.
Employers are bound by the regulations to maintain a detailed register of children they employ and this can be inspected by the DEC.
Advice on employing children can be obtained from Suzanne Vote, Child Employment Officer with the DEC, on 01624 685820 or Suzanne.vote@gov.im
The existing regulations can be found by visiting Education and Children.
