05 January 2009
Employers and young people are being asked for their views on proposals to regulate what kinds of jobs young people are allowed to do and how many hours they can work.
The Health and Social Services Department (HSS) is putting forward a new piece of legislation called the Children (Regulation of Employment) (Jersey) Order 200-. Before a final draft is prepared and debated by the States, Health and Social Services would like to hear Islanders’ views.
This new order, if approved, will ensure that school is always the first priority and that children’s jobs will not be allowed to interfere with their education.
Main points of the order
• Children are not allowed to carry out paid employment if they are 12 years or younger.
• Children cannot work at all during school hours or unsocial hours – before 6am or after 8pm. They cannot work for more than five days in a week.
• Children must have enough breaks and time off. If approved, the law would give them at least one 30 minute break if they work for more than four and a half hours.
• Children must also have two consecutive weeks off work every year – and this must be in a school holiday.
Minister for Health and Social Services, Senator Jim Perchard said: ‘We’re hoping to achieve legislation that is practical and meets the needs of both employers and children, but also protects our young people and supports their education. The other important aspect to introducing this order is that it brings us a step closer to meeting the requirements for introducing the United Nations Convention for the Rights of the Child.’
The consultation period runs until 27 February 2008. After that, all the views expressed will be considered before a final proposal is put to the States.
The consultation paper is available
online. Please send your comments to Tracey Fullerton, Assistant Director of Corporate Planning and Performance Management, 4th Floor Peter Crill House, Gloucester St, St Helier, JE1 3QS. Alternatively you can email
t.fullerton@health.gov.je
Notes
1) The full version of this draft legislation is available from the States Assembly website. Brief written guide to the proposals will be available from community and public buildings shortly.
States Assembly website
2) How the new regulations would affect you:
I’m 12 years old
You are not allowed to work if you are 12 years old or younger
I’m 13 years old
You’re allowed to do light work such as a paper round, shop work or similar. You can work for up to two hours on a school day and not at all before 6am or after 8pm. On Saturdays you can work up to seven hours. In the school holidays you can work up to 25 hours a week, but you have to take at least two weeks holiday each year during the school holidays.
I’m 15 years old
You could do light work such as a paper round, shop work or similar. You can work for up to two hours on a school day and not at all before 6pm or after 8pm. On Saturdays you can work up to eight hours. In the school holidays you can work up to 35 hours, but you have to take at least two weeks holiday each year during the school holidays.
I’m 16 years old and have left school
This law would not apply to you. You are covered by the Jersey Employment Law.
I’m 17 years old and in full time education
This law would not apply to you. You are covered by the Jersey Employment Law.
I work but don’t get paid
It will still apply, even if you don’t get paid.
I’m in a musical show with lots of rehearsals
Children working in performing arts would not be covered by this order.
I employ young people in my business
Young people who work for you cannot do jobs that are dangerous or may affect their ability to participate in school life. The order includes a list of jobs that children cannot do.
It will be your duty to ensure the workplace is as safe as possible. You must also check whether your young employees have another job. All their hours will be added together and they must not work for longer than is allowed for their age.
gov.je