The Conservatives have announced plans intended to make it easier for young people to get part-time work. They are describing it as a campaign “to save the summer job”.
The Tories claim that Labour measures such as the employer national insurance increase, the Employment Rights Act and business rates increases have led to a reduction in work opportunities for young people.
But this campaign is focused on three measures that affect people employing school-age workers. In a briefing note, the party explains:
The current regulations governing part-time work for young people are also cumbersome. For example, at present, school-age workers may work no more than two hours on a Sunday, whether during term time or school holidays. This makes Sunday near impossible for employers and pointless for employees. Those below school leaving age are also prohibited from working after 7 pm. This rules out many of the evening and weekend shifts that are most compatible with school times.
In many areas local authorities also require employers to obtain a child employment permit before employing anyone below school leaving age. Taken together these measures make it near impossible for young people to take on summer jobs.
The Tories say they would: repeal the current restrictions on working on Sundays; relax the window for evening work to 9pm; and remove the necessity for a child employment permit.
Other employment laws applying to school-age would continue to apply, the party says.
Andrew Griffith, the shadow business secretary, said:
A generation risks being locked out of the workplace, missing out on the skills, confidence and experience that come from a summer job.
The plans we are announcing today will help change that by allowing employers to once again give young people the chance they need.
