Child employment

Children below the MSLA must not be employed in industrial undertakings such as factories, construction sites etc except when on work experience schemes approved by the local authority, or the governing body of an independent school.

Children under 13 years of age are generally prohibited from any form of employment and local authorities have powers to make bylaws on the types of work, and hours of work, children aged between 13 years and the MSLA can do. However, children below these age limits may be licensed to take part in performances. The licence must be issued by the relevant local authority for all children below the MSLA, taking account of their fitness and arrangements for their health, kind treatment and education as appropriate to their age.