All about Child Labour and the Law in Zambia, Child Labour and Legislation in Zambia, Child Labour and the Working Age and more on Mywage Zambia.
Is Child Labour legal in Zambia?
No. According to provisions of the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act of Chapter 268 of the Employment Act, no person shall, except under conditions to be prescribed, employ or cause to be employed, any person under the age of fifteen years. And any person who contravenes the provisions of this subsection shall be guilty of an offence.
What happens in a situation where a contract of service is entered into between an employer and employee who has not attained the age of sixteen years?
If that happens:
- The contract shall be deemed to be a daily contract notwithstanding any agreement, whether oral or in writing to the contrary; and
- The employer shall cause the contract to be attested by the proper officer;
However these provisions shall not apply:
- In the case of a person, under the age of fifteen years, who is receiving full-time education at a school recognised as such under the Education Act, if she/he is employed during school vacations.
- In the case of a person, under the age of fifteen years, who has failed to secure admission to a suitable school or whose enrolment has been called or terminated by the school authorities or for a good cause by a parent;
- Provided, however, that in either case, such child shall be employed only if the terms, conditions and nature of his employment are approved by a proper officer.