Businesses who employ children under the age of 15 are being reminded to comply with maximum hours of work these school holidays.
Recent Workforce Inspectorate Victoria investigations have shown almost 1 in 3 businesses employing children under the age of 15 are breaching the work hours provisions of their licence.
There are strict rules on how long children under 15 can work:
- during a school term, children can be employed for a maximum of 3 hours a day and 12 hours per week and cannot work during school hours
- during school holidays, children can be employed up to 6 hours a day and 30 hours a week
- children can only work between 6am and 9pm.
Children must also receive a 30-minute rest break after every 3 hours work and have at least 12 hours break between shifts.
Workforce Inspectorate Authorised Officers will be checking these provisions with licence holders over the coming weeks.
Quotes attributable to Lily Dekic, Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Inspectorate Victoria
“Businesses that employ kids under the age 15 are providing a great opportunity for them to get work experience and earn some money. We want to help these businesses employ kids safely and legally.”
“It’s important for employers to remember kids are still developing, they need proper supervision, rest breaks and shouldn’t be working late or long hours.”
“Employers must maintain a record of the dates, times, hours and locations that a child works so we can ensure kids are working appropriate hours compliance with their licence.”
Additional Information
Victoria’s child employment laws require employers of children under 15 to have a child employment licence before any work takes place, and to comply with Child Safe Standards.
Licences are free, last for up to 2 years and multiple children can be employed under one licence.
Workers under 15 must be supervised by someone who holds a valid Victorian Working with Children Clearance (unless exempt).
