Monday, July 10, 2006

As the school summer holiday approaches, the education department said employers need to be aware of the laws and regulations, which govern the employment of children in the Cayman Islands.

The department said minors, children aged between 10 and 16 years old may legally work when school is not in session a maximum of eight hours on any day, and six days in any week. This allows minors to work a maximum of 48 hours per week during school holidays.
The eight hour daily limit also applies to weekends and public holidays, and any other days when schools are not in session.

In school hours during periods whilst schools are in session, only students on an approved work experience programme may enter into employment. This must be under the supervision of a work-experience Programme Supervisor.

Outside of school hours on school days, during periods whilst schools are in session, minors may work a maximum of two hours. On a non-school day, the eight-hour maximum limit applies. This allows minors to work a maximum of eighteen hours per week during periods when schools are in session, however these hours are limited to being between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm, outside of which hours, minors may not work at all.

For further information or advice concerning the regulations and laws which protect employers and children, please contact the Department of Education's Attendance and Liaison Services Officer on 244 1742, or the Department of Children and Family Services Child Protection Team Coordinator on 949 0290.

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