Whether from peer pressure to buy the latest clothes and PS2 games or from a genuine need to support themselves, young people are slogging away at a wide spectrum of jobs.
Unison carried out a survey with nearly 1,700 young people aged 13 to 21. It revealed that nearly two-thirds were working at regular part-time jobs, but it also showed that some young people are doing more than they should.
These include a 14-year-old who helped to fit doors and windows for a double-glazing firm and a 15-year-old who cleaned at a supermarket.
Chris Fabby, Unison's youth officer, said: "School-aged workers are no longer just supplementing their pocket money with a few hours of babysitting or delivering papers. Our survey found students as young as 15 and 16 working long hours in responsible jobs."
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