HC Deb 01 February 1989 vol 146 cc260-1W
Mr. Leighton

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what information he has on the restrictions on the working hours of 16 and 17-year-olds in(a) France and (b) Greece.

Mr. Nicholls

According to the International Labour Office "Conditions of Work Digest", volume 5, 2/1986,these are as follows.

In France persons under the age of 18 can work amaximum eight-hour day and 39-hour week and their hours must not exceed the normal daily and weekly hours of adult workers in the establishment. Five extra hours a week can however be allowed in certain circumstances. Young persons must also be allowed time for requirements of vocational courses and they cannot work more than four and a half hours without a break. They must have 12 consecutive hours nightly rest and they cannot be employed on statutory public holidays except on work that is continuous. Sixteen and 17-year-olds are also subject to the restrictions on hours of work applying to all workers.

In Greece nightwork is prohibited for young workers up to the age of 17 in industrial enterprises, although there are a few exceptions. There are also restrictions on hours of work applying to all workers.