People must avoid child labour
The Ministry of Labour caution came from the Child Labour Unit project coordinator Mr Atish Kumar.
“The penalty for employing children in harmful and unsafe situations is severe so people should take heed of the ERP requirements to prevent child labour,” Mr Kumar said.
“The penalty for employing children is $50,000 for limited liability and $10,000 for sole trader.
“Section 91 of the ERP prohibits work, which by its nature or circumstances is likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children,” he said.
People should be reminded that the ERP establishes the minimum age for the employment of children at 15 years.
“Children between 13 to 15 years of age may be engaged in employment or light work in family business as long as the employment is not likely to harm the health of the child and does not prevent him from continuing his education,” the project coordinator said.
“The priority for children below 18 is to provide them with education.”
Mr Kumar called on the general public to make use of the Ministry of Labour’s offices around the country and report on child labour.
People can also report child labour abuses to the police or the Ministry of Social Welfare.
The Child Labour Unit at the Ministry of Labour has set up an inter-agency info centre whereby stakeholders like the Social Welfare, Police and Save the Children share information on child labour.
The unit also has a booth at Albert Park, where the Hibiscus Festival is currently under way.
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