Schools back child employment campaign

Secondary schools in the borough say they have seen anecdotal evidence to suggest pupils as young as 11 have missed school, or come to school tired, because they have been working outside the legal limits.

They have now backed a drive to raise awareness of the law around child employment and the impact of illegal work, as part of the council's #NotInMissOut attendance campaign. 

This latest campaign gets under way during Child Employment Month, with the council urging families and employers to check the law before young people take on any paid or unpaid work.

By law, young people can be employed from age 14, and Local Authorities may permit employment from age 13, but strict controls apply.

Children cannot work during the school day, may only work a limited number of hours, and are restricted in the types of jobs they can do.

Employers must apply for a child employment permit before any young person, under the age of 16 starts work. Without a permit, the work is not legal.

Sarah Allard, Education Welfare Officer at Torfaen Council, said: “Schools are telling us they are encountering more pupils who may be struggling because of work commitments that don’t meet legal requirements.

“It’s encouraging to see that young people want to be ambitious, gain experience and earn a little money in their spare time. But even when offered with the best intentions, unregulated work can pose a risk to a child’s safety, wellbeing and education.

“Our campaign sets out to remind families and employers of their responsibilities so that young people are not put at risk or placed under unnecessary pressure.”

According to the National Network for Children in Employment & Entertainment (NNCEE), during one Child Employment Month, officers visited 1,394 employers. They found 1,092 children working, and 541 of them were unknowningly being employed illegally - most without the legally required work permit.

Tim Seghiri, Deputy Head and Attendance Lead at Cwmbran High School, said: “Part‑time work can be a great opportunity when it is done safely and within the law.

"Our message isn’t about discouraging children from working, it’s about making sure it happens in the right way, with the right safeguards, and never at the expense of a child’s education.

“When employers follow the law and families have clear information, children can benefit from work experience while still keeping school, rest and homework on track.”

The council’s new #SchoolComesFirst campaign points to guidance for both parents and employers, about the legal requirements and risks associated with illegal work.

Further information about child employment rules and permit applications are available on the council’s website: