Small businesses in Brighton and Hove are often unsure about their obligations to teenage employers, a survey has revealed.

Many are unaware they need an employment permit while others are flouting rest-break laws, according to the study by employment service Associa.

Few employers know they require separate insurance cover for children of compulsory school age, the report added.

Others fail to provide a full health risk assessment to the parents of working children - another statutory obligation.

Retailers, pubs, restaurants and hotels face fines of £1,000 for most infringements and more if health and safety laws are abused.

Yvette Craig, Associa sales manager for Brighton, said ignorance of employment law was no defence against potential fines.

She said: "The problem is more of an issue for smaller firms as they still face almost all of the same legal obligations encountered by larger firms yet often do not have the staff or expertise to handle them."

Monday February 16, 2004