Explanatory note

These Regulations give effect to Article 8(1) (b) (maximum number of hours which may be worked by children in term time) of Council Directive 94/33/EC on the protection of young people at work.

Regulation 2 replaces regulation 3 of the Employment of Children Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996, (“the principal Regulations”) placing a limit on the number of hours that a child may be employed in any week in which he is required to attend school.

Regulations 3 and 4 amend regulations 4(b) and 5(b) respectively of the principal Regulations to clarify that the restriction on the number of hours worked by children in these circumstances relates to any week when children are not required to attend school.

Regulation 5 replaces regulation 6 of the principal Regulations, removing the requirement to submit a medical certificate to the appropriate education and library board.

Regulation 6 amends regulation 8 of the principal Regulations making changes consequential upon the substitution of regulation 6 of the principal Regulations.