What are the duties of the local authority?

The local authority, in whose area the child is to be employed will be responsible for registering employers and issuing permits for each young person employed. Employment that has not been registered is illegal.

If a child is undertaking work that is detrimental to his or her health or education then the local authority may serve a notice on the employer to stop the employer employing the child or to impose restrictions on the employment of the child.

If the local authority suspects that the employment of a child is having a detrimental effect on his or her education then they can require the parents or the employer of the child to provide them with information of the employment. If the parents or employers fail to do this, it is an offence.

Each local authority must inspect any premises in their area where children are or may be performing.

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