The inspectorate intervened yesterday at a fast food chain where children aged 15 were still working late at night. The company, including a branch in Utrecht, will be fined.
The inspectorate was advised that young meal deliverers from the fast food chain still drive around late with orders, RTV Utrecht reports. Last night an audit was held at branches in Utrecht, Bussum, Hilversum, Huizen and Amstelveen.
In total, the inspectorate found five 15-year-old boys who were working after 9 pm, while this is not permitted. They also brought food around at 11 pm.
The inspectorate mentions “not desirable” for young people under the age of 16 to deliver meals. Time pressure is high, delivery people have to pay for the food and they have to deal with unsafe traffic conditions.
Plea for prohibition
A 15-year-old delivery boy died in Utrecht last year after a collision. As a result of the accident, the union FNV, among others, called for the minimum age for delivery personnel to be increased to 16. The inspectorate also argued for a higher age limit.
The ban comes: from 1 July, young people under 16 are no longer allowed to bring meals around.
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