NSPCC: Every child matters – Even when at work

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Thursday, 22, Nov 2007 12:00

The National Network for Child Employment and Entertainment (NNCEE) today calls 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.

William Roache MBE (Ken Barlow, Coronation St) said: ‘I’ve seen the sense of achievement children have when they engage in part time work. They enjoy the freedom and responsibilities working gives them, both on the stage or screen, or doing a paper round or shift at a local shop.’

Esther Rantzen CBE said: ‘Part time work can be a rite of passage for young people as long as children are safe. Children must be protected from abuse, irresponsible employers and unsafe practices, but at the same time if they want it, should be given the experience and challenge of worth-while work.’

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 The point of child employment legislation is to safeguard the child yet the laws are confusing, inconsistent and out of date.’

Ian Hart, Surrey County Council child employment officer said: ‘Child employment isn’t fully regulated or policed. There are just a handful of specialists across the country. It is outrageous that we are putting the opportunities and wellbeing of our children at risk because of lack of awareness, lack of resources and an archaic system.’

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.’

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Media office on 0207 825 2604 out of hours mobile 07976 206 625

Notes to editors

To attend the House of Commons launch of the DVD ‘Every Child Matters Even When They’re At Work’ please contact Katie Canning on 0207 825 2604.

The DVD is based around the five key themes in the Government’s ‘Every Child Matters’ report, which states that every child whatever their background or their circumstances should have the support they need to: