Red Rooster Wodonga and Cold Rock Shepparton face child employment charges

Wage Inspectorate Victoria, the state's child employment watchdog, has filed 355 charges against Red Rooster Wodonga.

It is alleged the business employed children under the age of 15 without a permit as well as employing children to work later than 9pm and for more hours than they are permitted to work.

Cold Rock Shepparton also faces 124 charges for allegedly breaching the Child Employment Act 2003.

It is alleged the Shepparton ice creamery employed six children for more hours than they are permitted to work, employed them later than 9pm and failed to provide a rest break of at least 30 minutes after every three hours work.

The businesses face maximum fines of more $18,000 for breaching child labour laws.

The commissioner of Wage Inspectorate Victoria Robert Hortle said steps must be taken to guarantee children were protected in the workplace.

"Victorians will be disappointed to see these household names facing allegations of breaching child employment laws," he said.

"These are the type of businesses where many kids get their first job, so people rightly expect them to have a strong focus on creating a safe workplace for kids, which is what child employment laws help ensure."

Victoria's child employment laws require employers of children under 15 to obtain a permit from the Wage Inspectorate before any work takes place. Children must also receive a 30-minute rest break after every three hours of work.

IN OTHER NEWS:

"Kids under 15 don't always recognise risks in the workplace and some don't feel able to speak up when they feel unsafe. Child employment laws help ensure the employer understands the risks and puts measures in place to keep young staff safe," Mr Hortle said.

The Wage Inspectorate has started 10 child employment prosecutions in the past 18 months.

Red Rooster Wodonga faces the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on May 16.

Cold Rock Shepparton will appear in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court in June.