The Conservatives have announced plans to scrap "outdated" EU red tape that they say is locking teenagers out of summer jobs, as part of a Brexit "benefit". The proposals, backed by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, aim to help young people get on the first rung of the career ladder.
Planned changes to youth working rules
Under the new plans, 16 and 17-year-olds would be allowed to take their breaks "at any point" during their shifts. Young people in full-time education or training would be able to work until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays during term time, and all restrictions would be removed during school holidays.
The party also proposes reducing the required 48 hours off between shifts in a week to 24 hours for young people. Current laws require workers aged 16 to 17 to take a 30-minute break every four and a half hours of work; the Conservatives would bring these rules in line with those for workers over 18.
Support from business and shadow cabinet
Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith said the changes would "save" the summer job and give employers confidence to hire younger people. He said: "A generation of young people risk being locked out of work because of unnecessary red tape, higher taxes and economic uncertainty. Simplifying rules about when young people can work and take breaks will help save the summer job and give employers the confidence they need to hire a young person."
Griffith added: "Only the Conservatives have the team and the plan to get Britain working again, and stand up for summer jobs by slashing unnecessary red tape and scrapping the job-destroying parts of the Employment Rights Act, alongside abolishing business rates for most high-street and hospitality businesses and delivering our cheap power plan to cut business energy costs by 20%."
The move was welcomed by Kate Nicholls, chairwoman of UK Hospitality. She said: "Sixty percent of first jobs were in hospitality. We give so many young people their first step on the career ladder. These sensible reforms will remove unnecessary barriers for businesses and give young people the opportunity to learn new skills and gain the confidence that comes with a first job."
Context and impact
The Conservatives pointed to the UK having the third-highest rate of young people not in education, employment or training in Europe, at more than one million people. They said Labour had made it harder for young people to get work by raising employers' National Insurance contributions.
Current laws also say young people should not work between 10pm and 6am, or between 11pm and 7am, depending on their contracts. The Conservatives said getting rid of this law would allow young people to work clearing up after pubs and bars have shut.
