Cleethorpes businesses warned they have 'no real excuse' for employing children without a permit
Cleethorpes businesses have been warned about employing children without a permit. Council officers carried out spot checks at firms across the area in an effort to stamp out the illegal practice.
While no evidence of child employment was found on the night, North East Lincolnshire Council says it will carry out work with those businesses to ensure that the proper permits are in place where required.
In the UK it is illegal to employ a child of school age without a child employment permit, and those convicted of doing so can face a fine of up to £1,000. However there are some circumstances which are exempt, including periods of work experience arranged by schools.
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Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "It’s important that businesses follow the law and keep up to date with legislation. Child employment permits have been around for a long time and there is no real excuse for businesses not to be aware of the need for them.
“The license is there to prevent the exploitation of children, and I’m pleased to see the team going out and visiting premises following reports that they’ve received."
The visits were led by the North East Lincolnshire Modern Slavery Partnership, who work to raise awareness of modern slavery human trafficking (MSHT). Staff were joined by officers from North East Lincolnshire Council, Humberside Police, and the NEL Community Safety Partnership.
To find out more about applying for a child employment permits, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/child-entertainment-licence.