Child work permit warning

Businesses and parents in Cornwall are being warned that they must apply for a work permit if seeking employment this summer holiday for a child of compulsory school age.

Truro-based insurance firm Cornish Mutual believes that many parents and employers don’t realise that it is illegal not to have an official permit from Cornwall Council, approved by their school and parent or guardian.

The employment rules for 13 to 16 year olds apply whether the work is paid or not, or full or part time.

Each local authority is able to set its own bye-laws regarding the employment of children which may lead to further uncertainty. As with any employee, the employer must observe Employers’ Liability Insurance requirements and carry out a risk assessment for the work – taking special note of the child’s inexperience in the workplace.

Cornish Mutual’s MD Alan Goddard commented: “The law has been in place since 1998 but I think it’s fair to say that there is still a lot of confusion and many people simply don’t even realise that the regulations exist.”