The regulation of child employment and options for reform

Substantial numbers of children in Britain have part-time jobs before they reach the minimum school leaving age. Legislation is in place aimed at protecting these children from harm. However, a number of previous research studies suggest that this legislation is not effective in practice. Local authorities are given the responsibility of regulating child employment in their area. They are required to develop by-laws covering the types and conditions of work which school-aged children may undertake. These by-laws must be compatible with the requirements specified in national legislation.