Submitted by crinadmin on
[22 November 2007] - The UK's National Network for Child Employment and Entertainment (NNCEE) has called for an urgent review of current child employment legislation to ensure children are protected from working illegally in dangerous conditions. The campaign is supported by a DVD, ‘Every child matters – even when they’re at work’ produced with support from ITV. The film shows children, including popular child actors from Coronation St and Emmerdale, benefiting from opportunities that part time work allows if monitored and regulated appropriately. The film also demonstrates the harm that can occur when employment law fails to ensure that children’s safety is protected. Using real life stories of a 14 year old boy seriously injured while at work and a young boy killed doing his paper round; the film highlights the inconsistency and confusion around child employment and the need to change the law so that it can be properly regulated. At present, local authorities have the responsibility to enforce regulations protecting the welfare of children at work; this includes over 200 pieces of legislation – some of which go back to 1933. Terry Drury, chair of NNCEE said: ‘Despite the best efforts of local authorities and employers there are no official statistics on how many children are employed, what they’re doing, where they’re doing it and if they’re safe. The point of child employment legislation is to safeguard the child yet the laws are confusing, inconsistent and out of date.’ Charlie Monkcom, safeguarding in business advisor NSPCC said: ‘The recommendations in Every Child Matters can directly apply to child employment. The government needs to revisit the child employment laws, legislation must be tightened up to protect children from significant harm and abuse. Children should be able to enjoy part time work but their safety must be the paramount consideration. One child hurt while at work is one child too many.’ The DVD lasts 18 minutes and discusses why it is so important for both children and their employers to have work permits and be safe at work. Copies of the DVD can be obtained by emailing Maureen Walker at [email protected].