Let's talk about a topic that might spark some debate: the benefits of young people working part-time jobs. Should we encourage teenagers to enter the workforce early, or is it better to protect their childhood and education?
Meet Caelan, who started working in a chip shop in Aberdeen at just 14 years old. He believes this early work experience made him more responsible and confident. "When I started, I was very shy," Caelan shares. "But now, I can easily strike up conversations with people."
The laws surrounding child labor have a long history, dating back to the 1930s, when regulations were introduced to tackle child labor exploitation and ensure the well-being of young workers. While children over 14 can be employed in 'light work,' many Scottish councils require employers to obtain permits for hiring minors.
But here's where it gets controversial: there are plans to change these laws, making it easier for under-16s to work part-time. The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, currently making its way through the House of Lords, aims to provide more flexibility for young workers. If passed, it would allow teenagers under 16 to have more control over their work schedules.
Caelan is a strong advocate for the benefits of young employment. Within a year of starting his job at the Ashvale, he was able to treat his mum to a holiday in Dubai. His co-workers, Kenzie and Erin, who also joined the takeaway and restaurant at 15, echo similar sentiments.
Kenzie, now 18, worked around school hours and saved up for a car. Erin, who was initially nervous, now feels comfortable talking to new people thanks to her customer service experience. These young workers highlight the importance of gaining financial independence and developing valuable life skills.
The new bill covers various aspects of child protection and safeguarding, as well as school attendance rules. The employment section aims to provide more opportunities for young people to enter the workforce. Proposed changes include lifting the two-hour Sunday work limit and allowing work up to one hour before school and until 8 pm, extending the current 7 pm limit.
While there's more flexibility on work hours, the maximum number of hours remains the same - up to 12 hours during a school week. The new law aims to update and simplify the rules, which were previously complicated by varying local bylaws across the UK.
In Dundee, for example, bylaws from 1973 prohibit working in a 'coal yard' or 'collecting rags.' In some areas like Angus and Edinburgh, children as young as 10 can still be employed in light agricultural or horticultural work under parental supervision. Other regions, like Falkirk, had no permit requirements.
Employment law specialist Dawn Robertson stresses the importance of safeguarding young workers. "Children should not be employed in any work that could be harmful to them," she emphasizes. "It's crucial that we treat children as children and carefully consider what we allow them to do in the workplace."
Dawn highlights the challenges posed by varying council bylaws, making it difficult for employers to keep up with the law. She hopes the new bill will simplify the process and provide clearer guidance for employers across the country.
Stuart Devine, owner of The Ashvale, has employed hundreds, if not thousands, of young workers over 40 years. He started working at the business himself at just 15. Stuart welcomes the potential rule changes, believing it's important for businesses to have access to young talent.
"They [young workers] actually come in generations of families," Stuart explains. "They're now schoolteachers, nurses, doctors, engineers offshore. I think the employment part has played a vital role in getting them to the next stage."
Along the same road, 15-year-old Harry is starting his evening paper round. He delivers papers before and after school and also works part-time in a chip shop on weekends. Harry admits he's unsure about the rules surrounding child labor but sees it as a way to impress future universities and employers.
"I think it looks good on CVs and stuff like that, and when you're older and you need to get a proper job," Harry told BBC Scotland News. "In the future, I want to be either a lawyer or work in the stock market."
Harry encourages other young people to seek work opportunities. "If you put yourself out there and constantly speak to employers at 14, if they're hiring other 14-year-olds, I think you've got a pretty good shot at getting a job there if you're confident."
Nicola Killean, Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland, is generally positive about the proposed changes. She believes older children can gain valuable experience, develop their skills, knowledge, and sense of independence through employment.
"While we support a change to the law that offers children greater flexibility in employment, we are clear that they must continue to have their rights protected," Nicola emphasizes. "The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) emphasizes that children must be protected from exploitation and from doing work that is dangerous or could harm their development."
So, what do you think? Should we encourage young people to enter the workforce early, or is it better to prioritize their education and childhood? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
