Member

On Amendment 176, on the employability of children at the weekend, we believe that Clause 26 will have a positive impact on the employability of children by providing greater flexibility in working hours, including at the weekend. In future, Sunday employment restrictions will be amended so that a Sunday is treated the same as a Saturday. Put simply, that should make it easier, not harder, for children to access employment at the weekend but at the same time should ensure that there is not an increase in the overall hours that children can work. As part of the work to develop this policy, we spoke to key stakeholders, including children, their families and local authorities, who were supportive of the measure. We will continue to work with them as we prepare the regulations.