Saturday, December 22, 2012

WHAT JOBS ARE OPEN TO KIDS OF 13 IN BRIGG TODAY?

Brigg's Coun Rob Waltham
North Lincolnshire Council is currently urging employers to learn about the law for employing young people from the age of 13. A work permit must be issued for school children over the age of 13 to legally undertake part-time employment. A young person can be legally employed from the age of 13, but the law states the allowed hours and types of employment.
This set me thinking about the jobs available to Brigg kids 40 years ago. They included newspaper  rounds with the likes of WH Smith, Jack Clark and Richardson's; delivering groceries packed in boxes on an old bike; and maybe a bit of potato-picking on local farms in the autumn.
So what's on offer in 2012? 
North Lincolnshire Council says a duty is placed on the employers to gain a work permit for school age employees; this sets out the rights and responsibilities of the employer.
Young people working without a permit may not be covered by any form of employer’s liability insurance, despite any policies that the employer has in place. Therefore, compensation might not be received in the event of an accident, including when young people are working within a family business. Employers could face a fine of up to £1,000 if they do not follow the law.
Permits are issued free of charge by the council and applies to paid and unpaid work and voluntary work. An application form must be completed and signed by parents/guardians and employers before a permit can be issued and a child can start work.
Certain types of employment may be deemed inappropriate, which means a permit may not be issued and children will not be allowed to work in these areas.
If you would like more information or guidance contact the Education Welfare Service, Church Square House, High Street, Scunthorpe, DN15 6NL. You can contact 01724 297759 or 01724 297502.
Brigg's Coun Rob Waltham, Cabinet Member for People at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “A part-time job is often a great way of encouraging independence and responsibility for young people. However, it’s very important for people to realise there are a number of rules and legislations that employees need to follow to protect the safety of young people working before they reach school leaving age.
“I would encourage employees to make sure they are aware and up to date with the laws around work permits for young people. You can contact the council’s Education Welfare Service for help and guidance.”

1 comment:

Ken Harrison said...

.....not quite, Scribs....a child can be employed in such spheres as tv, theatre and modelling at an earlier age.
It may perhaps not be very common around this area, but in London, there are a number of pushy-parents eager to get their child into such spheres of so-called employment.
Indeed, some years ago my grandson became the advertising feature of a milk advert by default.
For example, my daughter (+ my 18 month old grandson) accompanied another mum whose lad was to be photographed for the ad...but lad become ill and my grandson became the unplanned stand-in for the front cover of a national mag.
London streets may not be paved with gold, but there is a very distinct advantage in all sorts of avenues of opportunities in London and the SE that Brigg and District can only dream about.