Employment Law

[ganesh]

I am getting mixed answers from emplyers,teachers, and on-line so maybe someone knows for sure!
My 16yr-old(still at school) is keen to be a chef and wants a part-time week-end job in a commercial kitchen,
not waitressing , but helping with prep.work etc. in the kitchen. She has been told by some that it is illegal until she is school-leaving age(June next year after GCSEs)
Is it true?

[OBonio]

He/she can do 'light work' apparently.

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/n6w/index/life/e mployment/young_people_and_employment.htm

What 'light work' is defined as is a little unclear.

[jessiedog]

Try contacting the Health and Safety Executive (sorry don't know there web address - try googling) they are probabley the ones who will know all of the implications as the kiychen is a highly dangerous area in which to work.

Good luck to your daughter.

[oldwoman]

I doubt any would take her on unless she`d had some training. Weekend is the busiest time in a commercial kitchen and they wouldn`t have time to train her. The best course of action would be catering college.

[cherryelm]

I know of a few young people (of your daughters age) who work doing prep and learning the ropes in commercial kitchens of hotels and restaurants. She should just do plenty of asking around.

[ganesh]

Thanks, I'm sure there are, but I hope theyre working legally, thats all. I cant see a good reason why she shouldnt have a go, I just dont want her to break the law and what I really want to know is wether she is or not.

[Buenchico]

Your daughter can work in a commercial kitchen as long as the employer notifies the local education authority and applies for a permit to be issued. The LEA will issue a permit as long as they are satisfied that the employment is 'appropriate' (e.g. in terms of safety) and that the usual conditions (e.g. relating to hours worked) are met.

While each LEA will treat every permit application individually, it's unlikely that there would be any problems granting a permit for a 16-year-old to work in food preparation. (Of course, entirely separate legislation requires that anyone working in food preparation must hold the relevant food hygiene certificate).

I note that your question refers to a 'week-end job'. It should be noted that, although your daughter may work for up to 8 hours on a Saturday, she is limited to just 2 hours on a Sunday.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/Parents/FamilyIssuesA ndTheLaw/ChildrensRights/ChildrensRightsArticl es/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4002945&chk=AaZA0p

Chris

[ganesh]

thanks-that sounds quite official. I hope employers will be bothered to apply for the permit.Yes she does have the food hygeine certificate. Thxs for the explanation!