Jersey "closer" to UN child bill

The consultation is open to the public until 27 February

A new child employment law will bring Jersey closer to meeting the criteria of the UN convention for the rights of the child, said a States minister.

Under the new legislation children under 13 would be banned from paid employment.

Children over 12 would not be allowed to work during school hours or early in the morning or at night.

Senator Jim Perchard, health and social services minister, said the new law would protect young people.

Senator Perchard said: "We're hoping to achieve legislation that is practical and meets the needs of both employers and children, but also protects our young people and supports their education.

"The other important aspect to introducing this order is that it brings us a step closer to meeting the requirements for introducing the United Nations Convention for the Rights of the Child."

The 1989 UN convention gives young people the right to be protected from exploitation and work which harms their education or health.

Jersey did not sign the convention and does not currently have laws on a minimum age or the hours a child can work.

The public consultation period for the new law will run until 27 February.

After that a final proposal will be put to the States.