24 Jun 2013
The Government is moving to cut red tape and the burdens on schools and businesses in offering work experience opportunities to young people.
New health and safety guidelines are to be introduced that will feature “sensible” questions rather than paperwork, which is known to put off many companies from allowing placements.
Skills Minister Matthew Hancock explained that schools will not be responsible for health and safety of pupils on work experience and businesses will face the same procedures as those required for maintaining the safety of their staff.
He said businesses have been worried about special risk assessments for young people on their premises and the need for special insurance to cover them, however the Association of British Insurers confirms that no such policies are needed.
Confusing rules have discouraged firms from giving work experience to young people, but they will be simpler in the future, Employment Minister Mark Hoban said.
Copyright Press Association 2013