Kirklees licensee forced to sack U-16 waitresses

A West Yorkshire licensee has been forced to sack a 15-year-old and two 16-year-old waitresses following a council request.

Kirklees Council enforces a strict policy whereby children under school-leaving age cannot work after 7pm; for more than two hours on a school day; for more than two hours on a Sunday; for more than 12 hours in a term-time week and not at all in a commercial kitchen.

Employers of children under school-leaving age must also apply for a permit from the council.

David Dobson, licensee of the Bull's Head in Linthwaite, Huddersfield, was made aware of the local authority's by-laws after a call from the council.

"I follow the letter of the law," said Dobson, who accepts the council's intervention.

He admitted to "struggling" after losing three staff members, and will now need to hire a new team.

Dobson said the sacked girls' parents have been "up in arms". He is intending to re-hire them on the last Friday of June, as allowed by the council, although they will still be 16.

Morning Advertiser legal editor Peter Coulson said: "Local authorities can restrict the employment of young people using by-laws.

"This case seems to be more restrictive than the normal and legal requirement. It is very much a local issue."

A council spokesman said: "We have advised Mr Dobson about the relevant child employment by-laws, which state that no child of school age can work after 7pm or in a commercial kitchen.

"We will continue working with Mr Dobson to resolve any issues."