A: Reprimands and final warnings are given to divert young offenders from the criminal justice system. Reprimands are given to children who have committed a first-time minor offence. To be given a reprimand, the child must have admitted the offence, the offence must be deemed to be of such nature that it would have a realistic prospect of being prosecuted if taken to court, and the constable must be satisfied that it would not be in the public interest for the offender to be prosecuted. A child will be given a final warning if it is their first offence and the offence is of a serious nature, such as burglary or robbery, or if they have previously been given a reprimand.
Q: At what age can a child get a part-time job?
A: A child can get a part-time job at 14. But there are limits on the number of hours they are permitted to work. Children aged 14 can work up to 12 hours in a school week and up to 25 hours per week during the summer holidays. Children aged 15 to 16 can work up to 12 hours in a school week and up to 35 in any week during the school holidays. Children of compulsory school age cannot do heavy work.
Do you have any questions? Email them to clc@essex.ac.uk or call the Child Law Advice Line on 08088 020 008, The National Education Line on 0845 345 4345, The Young Person's Freephone on 0800 783 2187, Or visit www.childrenslegalcentre.com.
