I've read online that it is illegal to expect a person under 18yrs of age to work shifts with less than 12hrs between each shift.  Its also illegal for persons under 18yrs old to work more than 40hrs per week and breaks of 30mins should be given every 4.5hrs worked.... :rolleyes:

If these rules were not adhered to by an employer, what action (if any) could be taken to ensure work conditions are improved? 

My son (17.5yrs old) left his job today as he discovered yesterday that other staff had been given a payrise but he received no extra.  They allegedly had been sworn to secrecy and have now been reprimanded for "letting the cat out of the bag".  He suffered the above work conditions and I'm feeling angry that he has been treated so unfairly.

He had been "formally" employed in this post for only 6mths and had been told he was entitled to only 2 weeks paid holiday for the year.  He has already taken this holiday.  Do they have the right to ask for a week's pay to be returned?  :rolleyes:

Can anyone offer any advice please?

I believe no-one should work shifts with less then 12 hours inbetween (as I was told by my duty manager yesterday when we were ment to be working till 10 yesterday and starting at 7 today! (both also working 10 hours today!)

Not sure about time worked in a week but yes breaks have to be given (although can be unpaid)

I don't know the law on this, I'm afraid, but couldn't it be classed as constructive dismissal? Or something. The fact that he wan't there for long might not help him. :( I really don't know. Don't think I'd be happy working for a company that treats its employees like that.

<a class='url' href='http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/life/employment/young_people_and_employment.htm'>http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/life/employment/young_people_and_employment.htm</a>

This may help :)

Daisy

Forgot to add that you might wasnt to ask the CAB for help :)

He should get 4 weeks holiday for a whole year - therefore, if he has worked there for 6 months he is entitled to 2 weeks holiday - he should only have to repay if he has taken more than 2 weeks

Daisy

Well if he worked full time five days a week he had the right to foru weks paid hliday a year, so he doesn't owe them anything, as he took two weeks in six months,a dn in fact if it is more than six months they may still owe him the odd day.

Also was he weekly paid and did he work a week in hand, if so he will be owed a weeks wage.

WOW thanks all :-)

Daisy - the link was fantastic - has helped clarify his rights and will provide the written evidence I need to back my son.

I'm leaving it for him to decide if he wants me to pick this up on his behalf....but I'm keen to make sure this employer doesn't simply do this to the next unsuspecting youngster he employs.

Thankfully my son will be able to work with his father who has his own business...but at some point wants to find an independent job and will need a reference from his last employer...not sure how this will work out. :rolleyes:

Barbara - I'm not entirely sure if he worked a week in hand or not....will ask him later.  He was regularly working over 40hrs per week and on some of these shifts was finishing at 6pm and starting the next morning at 4am!!! 

As a mother its difficult not to worry about the impact of that long-term but equally I try to respect his right to make decisions for himself....4-legged kids can be soooooooooooo much easier! :-)

Thanks guys - I was hoping you might come up trumps :-D