Age of Staff ?

[Geoffers]

Hey all,
Just a query,
I have a 14 yr old Saturday Girl who works for me, bright kid, good with customers, trustworthy (I know her Granparents!)
Various other traders in the village have told me that its perfectly acceptable to leave a 14 yr old on her own in the shop, I think not, insurance policy seems to make no mention of staff age etc.
Have no intention of leaving her on her own, personally I think its too much to ask etc, but was curious what others think?

[anonymous-user]

My son is half Norwegian and now 20, his 'summer job' was working in a friends trawler, I found out last year that when he was 14 he was left in charge on the brige at night when they where traversing between fishing grounds, was trusted by my friend with a Million pound trawler at 14, and boy has he grown from the experience and trust, if you are happy with her competence then it is your business and go with it, mind you UK insurance my be a problem that thankfully does not involve me.

[PugwasHDJ80]

Can' see why not, in sepcific conditions (ie not going to be pressured by a peer group etc etc), properly trained etc

BUT are you complying with the young persons working directives (ie hours limits, permission)

in my head it wasn't legal to employ 14 year olds any more!

[Tallbut Buxomly]

I think sadly pugwash is right. Legislation meant to help the few is bad for the many. It would be great for the girl to get the chance to have responsibility and to learn but i suspect legislation will be a big no no.

[Cyberprog]

Geoffers said:

Hey all,
Just a query,
I have a 14 yr old Saturday Girl who works for me, bright kid, good with customers, trustworthy (I know her Granparents!)
Various other traders in the village have told me that its perfectly acceptable to leave a 14 yr old on her own in the shop, I think not, insurance policy seems to make no mention of staff age etc.
Have no intention of leaving her on her own, personally I think its too much to ask etc, but was curious what others think?

Ok, firstly, are you aware of section 18 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, as amended (in Scotland, the Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937).
This limits when a minor (13+ IIRC) can work from and until. Basically it's 7am to 7pm, and no more than 2 hours on a school day or sunday, and that they must have 2 uninterrupted weeks during school holidays. They may work a maximum of 12 hours a week during term time.
Local bylaws may limit the total number of hours a week they may work to 5 hours a day on a saturday or school holiday and a maximum of 25 hours a week.
Once they get to 15, most laws allow 8 hours a day on saturdays or school holidays, and a 35 hour maximum working week.
But you may have to technically apply for permission from your local authority, and defiantly with the parents. I wouldn't leave a minor unattended in charge of the business, they are legally unable to form a contract, and indeed there may well be liability issues in play here if something happened to them.

[Geoffers]

Thanks guys, all helpful comments!
Yes, am only letting her work 5 hrs on Saturdays, and also give her breaks etc, also pay her more than the minimum wage etc !
Like others say, its a shame all this is about insurances and red tape nowadys, I remember helping local farmers when I was 12/13, carting trailers full of potatoes, strimming round ponds, and all sorts of good stuff!
Am sure health and safety would have a fit in todays society!

[Cyberprog]

Do you have Local Authority consent (if applicable)? Just thinking to cover all your bases