Bury Council Launches Community Drive to Safeguard Young Workers

Bury Council has been out in the community this week raising awareness among local employers about the legal requirements and vital safeguarding benefits of child employment licensing.

The team enjoyed a busy two days this week in Bury Market, talking to stallholders and visiting other local businesses that typically employ young people such as hairdressers and newsagents.

The initiative was part of a wider awareness campaign across National Child Employment Raising Awareness Month which aims to ensure that every child of compulsory school age who is also in work is protected, and that employers are fully aware of their responsibilities.

Child employment licences ensure that young employees have access to fair working conditions, such as regulated hours and compulsory breaks, and that their employer is observing health and safety regulations. There are also other rules to consider, such as regulated limits on hours to ensure a young person’s education does not suffer.

Employers who have workers aged 13 – 16 must apply to their local authority for a license within seven days of the young person starting work. It is illegal to breach this legislation, and businesses that do so can face fines of up to £1000.

There are no additional costs for employers by applying for a licence and support is available from the council with risk assessments to support both the employer and the staff member.

There has been a significant increase in applications for child employment licenses in Bury since the council began its dedicated outreach programme last year. In the first 6 months of the academic year 2024 – 2025 the council received more applications than for the whole of the previous year, 2023 – 2024.

Councillor Lucy Smith, Deputy Leader of Bury Council and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said,

“Employment can provide young people with valuable life skills and offer positive opportunities, but at the same time we want to ensure our children are safe and that employers understand their legal responsibilities.

“Child employment licensing helps to ensure that young people are supported, giving them the best start in the world of work, and we are asking local employers to contact the council and apply for a child employment license if they have not done so already.”

To find our more or to apply for a license visit Child employment - Bury Council, email: child.licensing@bury.gov.uk
or call 0161 253 5693