SIDMOUTH firms are being warned they may be subject to spot-checks in an illegal child labour crackdown. More than half the school-aged children working for Devon businesses last summer did not have the required work permit, according to employment office

SIDMOUTH firms are being warned they may be subject to spot-checks in an illegal child labour crackdown.

More than half the school-aged children working for Devon businesses last summer did not have the required work permit, according to employment officers.

As the school holidays approach, officers will again be checking firms for children who do not have the required work permit or are working in jobs illegal for people under a certain age.

Christine Ellison, of Devon County Council's Education Welfare Service, said: "This is not designed as a persecution or prosecution exercise.

"Education welfare officers will visit employers, shopping centres, markets and other places where school-aged children are employed to offer advice regarding the legal situation regarding child employment, work permits, hours of work and occupations that children can and can not be employed in.