|
 Let’s
be honest, having a part-time job can be really rewarding.
Not only is it a great way to earn some dosh for those desperately
needed gig tickets, PS3 games, clothes, or whatever else you like to
splash the cash on, but it’s also a good learning experience; preparing
you for the day when school, college and uni finally come to an end and
it’s time to join the working-world.
When you’re still at school, it’s a good idea to know your rights when
it comes to employment; making sure that the folks paying your wages
aren’t trying to rip you off or put you in any situation where you might
be at risk.
With that in mind then, The LINC Online sat down for a bit of a natter
with the CYPS Educational Welfare Service to find out what you should
know if you’re thinking about taking up a part-time job, or, of course,
if you’re already employed.
What they told us probably sounds like it’s just a big list of stuff
you’re not allowed to do, specifically designed for the sake of stopping
you having any fun at work and enjoying earning some spending money.
‘Truth is though, these laws are there to make sure that you’re safe,
treated fairly and not put under too much pressure from your employees.
With that out of the way then, here’s what the Education Welfare folk
told us:
What The Law Says:
• If you’re under the age of 13, unfortunately, you’re not allowed to
work. Sorry!
• If you’re 13, but not yet 14, then there are only certain jobs you’re
allowed to do. You can check with the guys from Education Welfare what
these are if you need to (contact details at the end of the page).
• From age 14 up to leaving school, you can be employed in what the law
refers to as ‘light work’.
• You’re employer should carry out what’s known as a risk assessment of
the job and the place you’ll be doing it in, to make sure that any
potential dangers are kept to an absolute minimum.
Working Hours
• The law says you’re not allowed to work during school hours. Pretty
obvious really, don’t let you’re boss talk you into wagging double
science to do a shift. Alright, so it might be tempting to earn a few
more quid than sitting through another of Mr. Boring-Bob’s boring
chemistry lectures, but it really ain’t worth all the trouble both you
and your boss could get in!!
• Your working hours must be after seven in the morning but before seven
at night. Which is probably just as well! Who wants to be up before
seven, or still working when there’s First Look Hollyoaks on E4!?!
• On a school day, working hours must be no more than two hours. The
same goes for Sundays. More time to have your mates round to play that
new game you’ve just saved all your wages for then, eh?
• On Saturdays and during the week when it’s a school holiday, you can
work for up to five hours if you’re under the age of 15, or up to eight
hours if you’re over 15.
• After a maximum period of four hours of work, you must take a one-hour
break.
What you can’t do
The law says that there are some types of jobs which young people can’t
do. Again, this isn’t because they’re big meanies who want to stop you
doing cool stuff, it’s because these types of jobs could be dangerous
and do you far more harm than good.
A good employer shouldn’t ask you to do any of the following:
• Operating Machinery
• Preparing meat for sale
• Delivering milk (Probably a good thing. Those milkmen start work at
stupid o’clock in the morning! Who wants that!?!)
• Dealing with chemicals
• Working in a commercial kitchen
• Selling alcohol in unsealed containers
• Industrial work
• Working in a bar or pub
• Working in any part of a factory.
Some More Advice
• If you’re still at school, your employer should get hold of an
employment license for you which ensures that you’re allowed to work.
These can be obtained from the Education Welfare office.
• Make sure you’re properly trained and know what you’re doing. If you
don’t, or need some help, go ask for help. Nobody will mind, this
happens in all jobs for people of all ages, so your employers will be
used to being asked questions by the newbies.
• If it ain’t safe, don’t do it. Your employers shouldn’t ask you do
anything unsafe in the first place, but if they do, you can always say
no. No point in doing something which may put you in danger just to
please the boss if you end up hurt, or worse.
• Similarly, don’t be tempted to do loads of extra hours just to pay for
that latest Call of Duty game. You’ll only end up so knackered you can’t
play it, and plus it may affect your school work and cause loads of
other problems!
• Keep an emergency contact number on you in case you have an accident.
You could hand one on a piece of paper to your boss, and keep a second
in your wallet or purse, just in case.
• This may seem obvious, but let you’re parents or carers know where
you’re working and what you’re being asked to do.
• Another one which should be obvious; if anything or anyone makes you
feel uncomfortable or anxious at work, tell your boss. If they don’t get
it sorted, tell your parents or carers too.
If you want to know more about any of this, you can contact Children &
Young People’s Services Education Welfare Service at:
Wigan Investment Centre,
Waterside Drive,
Wigan
WN3 5BA
Call them on (01942) 705405 or e-mail
childemployment@wigan.gov.uk
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