What employers need to do
If children are employed they are only allowed to work a prescribed number of hours and should have a 'Permit to Work' - further advice can be obtained from the Education Welfare Service. An employment card is issued to the child, it should be available for inspection at all times whilst at work.
Informing parents
Employers are also required to inform the parents of young people about the risks involved with the work, these will have been identified following the assessment. Parents should also be informed of the controls that you have implemented to protect them.
Risk assessment
Employers are required to have carried out a specific risk assessment before they commence work. The assessment should identify the health and safety hazards that the young people are exposed to, and determine what control measures are required to reduce the likelihood of accidents occurring. The assessment should take into account their inexperience, lack of awareness of existing or potential risks, and immaturity.
It should also determine whether the young person should be prohibited from certain activities.
Fitness to work
The parent or carer will be asked to sign a form to say the child is fit to work. But if we, or the school, are concerned that the work may be harming a child's health, welfare or school work, a medical may be required to ensure that the child is able to work.
Access to Education Team - licences
Address: PO Box 15Council House
Earl Street
Coventry
CV1 5RR
Health and safety team
Open 9am–5pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays)
Address: PO Box 15Council House
Earl Street
Coventry
CV1 5RR