Surf Coast cafes and takeaway businesses will be monitored to ensure compliance with the state’s child employment laws.
Child employment watchdog Wage, Inspectorate Victoria officers will inspect and inform businesses from Lorne to Torquay about the state’s laws as the summer holidays come into full swing.
Child Employment Compliance and Enforcement director Jessica Downey said young people could greatly help businesses during school holidays if done safely.
“The biggest risk with breaking child employment laws is that a child gets seriously hurt in the workplace,” she said.
“Many kids get their first job over the school summer holidays, so it’s important that their first experience in the workplace is a positive one.
“Our officers are out and about from Lorne to Torquay, making sure businesses employing kids under 15 are doing so safely.”
Ms Downey said businesses that break child employment laws faced consequences ranging from warnings to fines of more than $200,000.
“The Wage Inspectorate has prosecuted eight regional businesses over child employment laws over the last 12 months,” she said.
“We’d much rather help businesses employ kids safely and legally than take more matters to court, so reach out to get the advice you need.
“Parents have a role to play too. If you have a child under 15 who has just secured their first job over summer, make sure the employer has a child employment licence.”
Children can work in Victorian retail and hospitality from the age of 13, but most businesses need a license before employing anyone under 15.
A business can employ multiple children under one license and must adhere to rules around supervision, work hours and rest breaks.
