To follow up on yesterday’s announcement on the changing of employment standards in BC, SPN sought further information. With the minimum employment age increasing from 12 to 16 (with some exceptions for those aged 14 and 15), there are a number of youth between the designated ages working part time jobs who could lose their jobs.

SPN sought clarification from the Ministry of Labour.

This was their response:

“Under the proposed changes, 14 and 15-year-old children will be allowed to do certain forms of ‘light work’ that are safe for their health and development. This may include work like being a cashier at a fast food restaurant. Defining exactly what should be considered light work will come at the regulation stage, which will be completed as soon as possible.

“Workers under 16 can remain in their job until the regulations are adopted, but there is also a provision that can exempt a worker, or specific sector of workers, from the new child employment requirements for up to three years so that businesses and employees have time to adjust to the new rules. If provided the exemption, this transition time would keep young workers from losing their job immediately after the regulations are adopted.”

For more information, see yesterday’s announcement on SPN, at Changes to employment standards will better protect children, support workers