CHILD employment officers and Education welfare officers are making extra visits in Suffolk this week to raise awareness of the laws.The Suffolk County Council staff are aiming to raise awareness amongst members of the general public about the laws protecting children in part time employment.

CHILD employment officers and Education welfare officers are making extra visits in Suffolk this week to raise awareness of the laws.

The Suffolk County Council staff are aiming to raise awareness amongst members of the general public about the laws protecting children in part time employment.

Patricia O'Brien, Suffolk County Council's portfolio holder for children, schools and young people's services said: "Our experience from previous years is that there are still a number of employers who do not fully appreciate the legal requirements when it comes to employing young people.

“For example, they need to arrange work permits for their young employees and to have proper insurance cover for them.

“Equally, many people don't seem to realise that children and young people have to have a performance license if they are appearing in a public entertainment.

“We need to make sure our children and young people are properly protected at all times, including when they are working or performing."

Officers in Suffolk are trying to establish where children are working, when and what hours they are doing. The visits to employers will be followed up by child employment officers to check that employment cards have been issued and to investigate any infringements of the legislation.

Visits to theatres and places of entertainment will take place to ensure children are safeguarded and protected.

The teams will be visiting shopping and leisure centres, libraries and hairdressers in Ipswich, Stowmarket, Haverhill and Newmarket during the week to put the child employment message across to as many people as possible.

Anyone seeking further information and details on child employment law, work permits and performance licenses should contact the child employment team on 01473 584772.

n. Do you think the laws should be changed for child employment? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk