Inspections of young people in workplace soars

A MAJOR crackdown on the exploitation of young people working in bars, hotels and restaurants has led to a 60% rise in labour inspections.

Figures obtained by the Irish Examiner show inspections under the Protection of Young Persons in Employment Act jumped from 2,007 in 2005 to 3,347 last year. The as yet unpublished statistics also relate to checks undertaken by inspectors in shops and retail outlets.

Inspections are designed to protect the health of young workers and ensure work carried out during school years does not put their education at risk.