A NEW campaign is set to be launched in Redbridge to raise awareness of child working laws.

Council officers will visit businesses across the borough during Child Employment Week, to ensure that youngsters in part-time jobs are safe and working legally.

The initiative will run from Monday May 24 until Friday May 28.

A council spokeswoman said: "(The week) aims to raise awareness among children, parents and employers that children under the age of 13 cannot work at all and those between 13 and 16 are strictly governed by rules before they are allowed to work.

"As well as local businesses, the council's Child Employment and Licensing Officer will also be visiting the borough's secondary schools to talk to pupils about the benefits and pitfalls of part-time employment.

"Children between 13 and 16 must have a work permit which should be applied for by their employer from the council. The permit must be issued by the borough in which the child works and not lives.

"The majority of young people are keen to stand on their own two feet and earn a bit of extra pocket money but the council is on hand to ensure they are not exploited and aren't working in jobs where health and safety could be an issue.

"Young people are allowed to work in a variety of roles including delivering newspapers, in a shop, office or hairdressers, waiting on tables in a cafe or restaurant, working on a farm or market garden or in kennels or a cattery.

"Roles in which they are not able to work are selling cigarettes, alcohol or medicine, delivering milk, collecting or sorting refuse, telephone sales and many more.

"Young people are not allowed to work before 7am and after 7pm and depending on their age, their working hours are restricted to certain hours during the week, weekends and school holidays.

"For more information about the roles and hours young people can work in the borough, or to apply for a free work permit, email: angela.mikellides@redbridge.gov.uk, call: 8506 5281 or visit: redbridge.gov.uk