Report a concern about children in employment or performance

If you have a concern regarding a child who is in employment or performance, or about an organisation / employer or chaperone, please complete the form below. Our officers will investigate your concerns, we may be in contact with you (if you provide contact information) if we require any further information.

Children in employment

We will always aim to work with employers to educate them around the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 prior to prosecution, to ensure that children are safeguarded whilst in employment. Please use this form if you have the following concerns:

• A child may be working without a permit (please state if this is factually known or suspected)
• A child is working excessive hours, or before 7am or after 7pm
• A child is working during school hours
• A child is undertaking dangerous or inappropriate work
• A child is not being paid for their employment (please state how this is known)
• An employer is seeking children for employment but it is unclear if they intend to apply for a work permit
• Any other concerns

Employers who breach child employment legislation are risking the safety of young people and can face a fine of up to £1,000. Without a permit, employers are breaking the law and could risk invalidating their insurance.

Employers:

• Are expected to apply for a work permit within seven days of offering employment to a child
• Must not allow children to work outside the permitted hours, as outlined in legislation (Children and Young Persons Act 1933)
• Must not employ children in a prohibited occupation, as outlined in the child employment byelaws

Further information on child employment and permits can be found here.

Children in performance

Children who are performing, such as modelling for a photoshoot or performing in the theatre, require a licence to be able to do so in certain circumstances. This includes if they require absence from school for the performance or they are being paid. Further information on child performance licensing can be found here. 

It is the duty of the organiser of the event to ensure they have the appropriate licences in place. Children have every right to be safeguarded in any environment they are in, and the entertainment industry can make children particularly vulnerable.

Please use this form if you have any of the following concerns:

• A child has had absence from school without a licence
• An organisation has not applied for, or forgotten to apply for, a licence where one was needed
• A child has been working excessive hours or seems overworked on set
• You are concerned about the safeguarding processes of a particular organisation
• A parent / carer has not acted appropriately as a chaperone
• You have concerns about an approved chaperone
• Any other concerns relating to a performance

Again, we will always try to educate and work with organisations before prosecution, however in certain circumstances we may be required to take legal action and may receive a fine of up to £1000 under the Children and Young Persons Act 1963 Section 40. This is where any person, or parent or guardian, allows a child to do anything in contravention with Section 39, fails to observe to any conditions on the licence, or knowingly or recklessly makes any false statement in connection with an application for a licence.

It is important to highlight here that parents / guardians are just as liable for their child’s safeguarding and ensuring appropriate licences or permits are in place for their child.

Contact: child.employment@southampton.gov.uk