FIRMS that employ children over the summer break must ensure they don't fall foul of laws on hiring youngsters, the council warns.

Over the coming weeks, education welfare officers will visit local businesses to check any teenage staff are working in safe and lawful conditions.

The work links in with Child Employment Week, which will begin on Monday, July 28.

Councillor John Holden, executive member for education, said encouraging teenagers to take on part-time work was an important part of their development. He said: "While the vast majority of employers are responsible and make sure that they meet all the legal obligations in relation to employing a school child, some do not.

"These extra visits by education welfare officers will not only provide us with a clearer picture of where young people are working, but also the opportunity to get all the appropriate information to employers about legal requirements such as issuing employment cards, the hours young people are working and the conditions they are working in."

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