Compliance blitz shows few kids under 15 working in metro shopping centres

In Victoria, kids can be employed in retail from the age of 13, provided the business has a child employment permit or licence.

The purpose of the campaign was to:

• detect and measure non-compliance with child employment laws in the retail industry
• educate retailers, shopping centre operators and the Victorian community about child employment laws
• observe general conditions of employment
• have a field-based presence in high density retail environments.

Inspections

The campaign saw Wage Inspectorate Officers inspect 169 businesses in 8 shopping centres:

• Chadstone Shopping Centre
• Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre
• Highpoint Shopping Centre
• Stockland Point Cook Town Centre
• Southland Shopping Centre
• The Glen Shopping Centre
• Knox Shopping Centre
• Eastland Shopping Centre.

Of these businesses, only 1 was observed to be employing a child under 15 without a permit, but after further investigation it was determined that the business was eligible for the family business exemption.

Several businesses told our officers they were unaware that they could employ children under the age of 15 years if they had a permit, while others were unwilling to employ children under 15, due to maturity levels.

Compliance checks

69 employers were contacted by post and required to provide information about any employees under 15 years.

Just 3 employers of these 69 businesses were employing children under 15, however, all 3 were doing so without a permit and were referred to for investigation.

Investigations

Ultimately, 4 investigations were commenced following the compliance campaign.

We always look to be proportionate in our compliance activities, and to use the most appropriate enforcement tools. In light of their strong compliance history, cooperation and efforts to rectify their non-compliance immediately, 3 matters were resolved through official warnings.

However, it was determined that stronger compliance activity is required in a fourth matter, which is ongoing.

Education

The campaign also served as a valuable educational opportunity. Our officers found many employers continue to mistakenly believe a child must be 14 and 9 months to work, and that no specific laws apply once they hit that age. Officers took the time to dispel that myth with the employers they spoke with and ensure they understood Victoria’s child employment laws.

More information about child employment laws is available on our website, which also includes translated information, an e-learning module and an animated summary of the laws.