Raising the Minimum Working Age in Accordance with ILO Convention 138
22. Let me turn to clauses 2, 4 and 5 of the Bill, which relate to the employment of children and young persons in industrial, non-industrial and light work. The present provisions allow for the employment of children aged between 12 and 14 in “light work”, and under parental supervision. In practice, child employment is negligible in Singapore as children below 14 are either in schools or approved vocational institutions. Young persons, currently defined as persons between the ages of 14 and 16, may be employed in industrial undertakings, unless there is a specific prohibition in relation to that undertaking prescribed by my Ministry. No restrictions are imposed on persons aged 16 and above.
23. The Minimum Age Convention of 1973 (No. 13
is one of its 8 core conventions of the International Labour Organisation. In essence, it stipulates that children should not enter the labour force before the completion of compulsory education, but in any event not before reaching the age of 15. However, children aged between 13 and 15 may perform light work, if it is not prejudicial to their educational activities. Beyond 15, they are permitted to take up employment, except for work which is dangerous or hazardous to health. For such work, the minimum age is 16 if their “safety, health and morals” are fully protected, and they receive proper training in the relevant branch of activity.
24. Singapore is against all forms of exploitation of children and imposes strict standards in the employment of youths. In 2001, Singapore ratified ILO Convention 182 on the Elimination of the Worse Forms Child Labour.
We will take this opportunity to raise our minimum working ages to be in line with Convention 138, and in due course to ratify it as a continued commitment to the protection of our children and youths.
hahaha tell your school your mum have to be there to supervise u also hahaha
