Child employment blitz

In the lead up to Christmas, Wage Inspectorate Victoria has launched a campaign to check retail businesses employing kids under 15 are complying with child employment laws.

The child employment watchdog is putting boots on the ground, ensuring that seasonal demand and extended opening hours don’t lead businesses to overlook child employment laws in a rush to fill vacant positions.

The campaign will see child employment officers visiting stores in some of Melbourne’s busiest shopping centres in the lead up to Christmas and across the school holidays – educating employers about child employment laws and checking compliance.

In Victoria, retailers can hire kids as young as 13, but they typically need a permit before employing anyone under 15.

Child employment permits are free and the online application process to have one issued is straightforward. Employers can apply online at www.wageinspectorate.vic.gov.au.

The permit system enables the Wage Inspectorate to ensure employers have considered matters like safety, hours of work, rest breaks and supervision before employment starts.

If an employer fails to apply for a permit, the Wage Inspectorate is unable to assess the risk of employment to the child and check that their health, safety and welfare will be protected, potentially putting them at risk.

Commissioner of Wage Inspectorate Victoria Robert Hortle said the Wage Inspectorate would be hard at work keeping kids safe this festive season.

“All workplaces have risks, and these are magnified for young, inexperienced employees, so retailers need a permit to employ a child under 15, and to comply with rules around hours of work, rest breaks and start and finish times,” Mr Hortle said.

“Kids under 15 are still developing. They don’t have the stamina of adults, so it is vital they receive adequate rest breaks, have enough down-time between shifts and are well supervised. The permit system helps ensure the employer understands the risks and puts measures in place to keep young staff safe.”

Mr Hortle said parents also have a role to play, urging them to check their workplace has a child employment permit before their child under 15 starts work.

Businesses breaking child employment laws face consequences ranging from warnings to fines of more than $18,000. Parents can be fined up to $1,800 for letting their child work for an employer without a permit.

The Wage Inspectorate has prosecuted six employers for breaches of child employment laws since 2020.