Kids' law to be simplified

The Government has announced plans to streamline employment law for children to make life easier for operators.

Margaret Hodge, minister of state for children, last week accepted the recommendations of the Better Regulation Task Force.

If implemented, the recommendations should mean simplified guidelines relating to child employment law, and a more straightforward registry procedure for employers. Businesses will be able to register their status as a child employer, without having to apply for a work permit for each child.

The Government, which will now consult on the proposal, will explore the number of hours children can legally work, especially on a Sunday, which is currently limited to two.