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
