EMPLOYERS who exploit vulnerable young workers under the age of 16 are warning they face fines or prison as part of a council clampdown.

With the holiday season approaching, and hence the number of school-age children taking part-time jobs increasing, resort businesses are being given a timely reminder of the law by Blackpool Borough Council.

Regulations and by laws are in place to protect youngsters from doing unsuitable jobs and for too long. Those caught flouting these laws face a fine of up to £1,000 and/or a prison sentence.

And the council is leading the way by appointing a specialist child employment and entertainment licensing officer to champion the cause of working youngsters.

Education chairman Eddie Collet explained school aged workers aged between 13 and 16 have to be licensed to work by the local education authority regardless of whether or not they earn a wage.

He said: "Protecting children employed in any work environment, including seasonal jobs and the entertainment industry, is a priority for us, particularly because of the nature of the local economy in Blackpool.

"We are not against children working and recognise that it's good for them to have a work ethic but there has to be a fair balance.

"Some employers may subject youngsters to grim conditions, poor pay and long hours which pose a risk to their health and safety and affects their future opportunities by leaving them too tired to perform well at school."

Basic rules state that on a school day no child shall be employed for more than two hours, which can be made up of one hour between 7am and the start of school and one hour after, or two hours between the close of school and 7pm.

On Saturdays or non-school weekdays no child under 15 may be employed for no more than five hours and not before 7am or after 7pm. On Sundays they cannot work for more than two hours.

For full details of the laws or to apply for an employment permit call 476578.

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