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

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 19th Nov 2007

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."