info for daughter - collecting debt

angelflower_2

my daughter has a paper round working directly for a distributor. Recently she has been given the job of collecting the money from her clients which has been ok but some came with quite high debts.

She visits them each three times a week to try and get the money when she is delivering the papers but they are not always in and those who avoid her have debts which have gotten quite big. She is now getting quite major hassle from the distributor re collecting which I think is a bit unfair as she has no power to stop papers or offer alternate methods of payment rather than doorstop collection. It is also financially a very poor job if she has to make even more frequent trips to houses if they dont answer or I suspect in some cases, wont answer.

Anyone got ideas on ways to encourage payment or similar stories? I would love her to get another job but there is so little out there for someone her age in our area.

Tixy

How old (or how young) is your daughter? Is she a minor?

This seems extremely unfair position to put her in. Is she getting paid more than she was when she just did the paper round?

angelflower_2

nope, she is 14 and doesnt get paid extra at all for this. 65p per house each week.

pmlindyloo

There are quite strict regulations for children of this age.

See here: http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_money/employment/young_people_and_employment.htm

You might also want to check out what your local authority guidelines regarding this too.

Merecat_2

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/YoungPeople/Workandcareers/Yourrightsandresponsibilitiesatwork/DG_066272

I am sure what they are doing is illegal. I have posted a link for you so you can phone a organisation and get more advise on this. I personally would be down to the distributors and tell them exactly where to shove their papers!!!!. Young people are protected by employment law in this country, please check it out.

WRINKLES

angelflower wrote: »

nope, she is 14 and doesnt get paid extra at all for this. 65p per house each week.

She should not be put in this potentially dangerous position , I would suggest that the small amount of money she makes is not worth what she is expected to do.

KingElvis

Yep, this all sounds well dodgy to me.

angelflower_2

thanks all

phoned the paper direct and they know about the situation but it looks like it is all above board. They are going to try investigate things a bit more and see if there is anything can be done. I fear my dd will kill me for interfering!!

Pigmyhippo

I wouldn't want my dd knocking on strangers doors then asking them for money. You don't know what kind of person will answer the door. What if someone has been hassled for debts all day over the phone and they snap when they see a 14 year old at the door asking them for money they don't have.
Far too risky a job for a child to be undertaking imo

Merecat_2

http://www.netlawman.co.uk/info/employing-younger-staff.php

Have look under prohibited employment - collecting money at 14 years of age is illegal.

Tixy

The problem is even if people were willing to pay (and I'm sure many are not) I think some would be really cautious of handing cash to a child anyway.

I think its fine to ask her to deliver a bill or a reminder but they really shouldn't be asking this of her.

I know she won't want to lose her job and can imagine she would be cross with you if she cannot do it but I just wouldn't feel happy with her knocking on doors and talking to people. It could potentially leave her a lot more vulnerable than just putting a paper through a letter box.