Skipton and Ripon MP Sir Julian Smith has called for changes to employment rules which he says would make it easier for young people to take on summer jobs.
The Conservative MP is backing proposals aimed at giving 16 and 17-year-olds greater flexibility over working hours, shift patterns and breaks, while maintaining protections for young people's education.
The plans form part of the Conservative Party's wider ‘Save the Summer Job’ campaign.
Earlier this year, the party proposed removing permits it says create unnecessary barriers for businesses employing young people, increasing the hours under-16s can work on Sundays and allowing them to work until 9pm if they choose.
The latest proposals would give 16 and 17-year-olds and employers greater flexibility over when breaks are taken, allowing them to take breaks at any point during a shift.
Under the proposals, young people in full-time education or training would also be able to work until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays during term time, while restrictions would be removed during school holidays.
The Conservatives have also proposed reducing the requirement for young people to have 48 consecutive hours off work in every seven-day period to 24 hours.
Sir Julian said summer employment could provide young people with experience and confidence before entering the wider workforce.
He said:
“Summer jobs give young people much-needed first-hand skills, confidence and experience.
“We must make it easier for our local businesses to give young people that vital first step onto the career ladder.
“That’s why we need more flexibility for young people about when they can work and take breaks, and scrapping needless red tape and permits that make it harder for businesses to give young people a chance.”
The proposals come amid concerns about youth employment across the UK.
Kate Nicholls OBE, Chair of UKHospitality, said hospitality plays a significant role in providing young people with their first employment opportunities.
She said:
“60% of first jobs were in hospitality.
“We give so many young people their first step on the career ladder.
“These sensible reforms will remove unnecessary barriers for businesses and give young people the opportunity to learn new skills and gain the confidence that comes with a first job.”
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