Children found working illegally at summer jobs

The visits were made to ensure that children working during the summer holidays were doing so safely and within the law.

Areas visited included Eastbourne, Pevensey, Pevensey Bay, Westham, Hailsham and Polegate.

A total of 44 children were found to be working illegally, in most cases without the necessary work permit. In these cases the employers were informed of the need in law for a child to have the necessary employment card.

The work permits are one way in which the local authority can be aware that a child is being employed and therefore able to monitor the hours they work.

Cllr Rupert Simmons said: 'The results of this child employment week campaign clearly show the need for this type of operation in order to further educate ill-informed employers, and at the same time provide a strong reminder to companies of the need for strict compliance.'