BUSINESSES are being reminded about the rules surrounding child employment.

The Christmas and new year period is a busy time for many local businesses who need to use temporary or extra parttime staff to fill the gaps.

Worcestershire County Council and Wychavon District Council are reminding them the law states children below the compulsory school-leaving age doing part-time work need to be registered with the county council before they start any employment.

Children also cannot work after 7pm and are not allowed to work in certain businesses such as commercial kitchens or factories.

Worcestershire County Council’s principal education welfare officer Steve Wilkinson said: “Safeguarding children and young people while taking part in positive activities and doing part-time jobs is vitally important and one which we take very seriously.

“Employers have a duty to ensure the safety of the young people they employ and must abide by the laws protecting children.

“Young people of compulsory school age that work without a permit from the local authority are not covered by companies’ insurance and if accidents happen those children are put at significant risk.”

Steve Jorden, who is Wychavon’s head of environmental services, said: “Everyone wants to enjoy the festive season but we also want to keep everyone safe and well.

“We want to ensure businesses have the right advice but also that they protect the health and safety of their staff, particularly children and young people.”

If residents or businesses want advice or more information, they should call 01562 757651 or 01386 565015.