Working hours for a 17 year old

[OverWorkedLowPaid]

DS is 17 and has been working for a large retail firm for 4 months.

Recently he has been made to do 9-10 hours shifts to stay behind and tidy.

His contract is for 8 hours a week.

I was under the impression he was only able work 8 hour shifts due to his age.

He won't ask his boss for some reason, he's worried about losing his job. Would I be unreasonable to contact Acas/head office on his behalf? He's getting very stressed by this as he is doing A-levels as well.

You don't have to be under an impression, you can look it up and have the facts: www.gov.uk/maximum-weekly-working-hours

And yes contacting ACAS would be a good idea.

Thanks for the link Display. It's a big company so I thought they would have been a bit better with the under 18's.

Wow I had no idea. My brother works 11/12 hour shifts once or twice a week in a bar. Must definately be against the law

onetime I think a lot of people don't know including the store themselves.

You would think, wouldn't you!

Maybe his direct supervisor isn't aware of his age and or the maximum working hours.

It's a big thing for your son to have to face up to a 'boss' but hopefully you or ACAS can help him rehearse some words. He doesn't need to be confrontational, just to explain politely.

Thanks Display. It's his first job. They have loads of under 18's working there as well.

I think my Bro just loves the extra money so he wouldn't complain!

My DS loves the cash as well, but he has lots of revision to catch up on.