New rights for teenage bar workers

A new code of practice for young people working in bars and restaurants is being launched by the Minister for Labour, Tom Kitt.

Under the Code of Rights, 16 and 17-year-olds should be further protected.

Under the Act, employers must provide their young staff with a written statement of the terms of their employement.

It also extends their right to be represented by a trade union, while also allowing time for study leave.

Before employing a person, the employer must get the permission of a parent or guardian.

The Code of Practice is the result of collaboration between the ICTU, the Irish Hotels Federation, the Licensed Vintners Association, Mandate, the National Parents Council, the Restaurants Association of Ireland and the Vintners Federation of Ireland.

Minister Kitt announced that since the beginning of last year, over 2,700 inspections have been carried out under the Protection of Young Persons Act.

Six people were convicted of breaching the legislation last year, and the same number has already been convicted this year to date.