School Holidays - Employers Look Out

The summer season is now here when young people are on holiday from school. This poses a number of problems for employers and employees alike. Some employees who have few problems in term time in managing their work and child-care responsibilities can find themselves without affordable alternative child care.

While it is good to encourage employers to be flexible and support working mothers and fathers, it is only right to include a word of caution. The workplace is not an appropriate place for children. There are enough hazards for adults without exacerbating the problem. In addition, does your insurance cover the presence of children in the workplace, including being transported in your company vehicles? Think very carefully before you agree to arrangements which you might regret.

Secondly, employers must consider the employment of young people. Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 requires employers to take particular account of the needs of young people when undertaking risk assessments. In addition there are also specific legal restrictions under Regulation 19 (Protection of Young Persons) as to the type of work persons under school leaving age may undertake.

Take a look at previous articles for more guidance on these important issues.
This document is for general guidance and research purposes only, and does not purport to give professional advice. Please check the date at the top of the article; the Workplace Law Network retains historic articles for general research.