By ALICE NACHILEMBE
The Ministry Labour has suspended operations at Good Nature Agro Limited in Chipata after discovering that the company was indirectly involved in child labour.
Principal Labour Officer, Francis Shabani suspended operations at the company when he discovered that the company was allowing its workers to involve their children below the stipulated age in doing work that would deprive them an opportunity to get a desired education.
Mr Shabani said workers engaged by the company opted to withdrawing children from school to help them meet daily targets given by the employer, Good Nature Agro Limited.
He further added that the company was in contravening the provision of 16 of the Employment Code Act No.3 of 2019 which forbids children under the age of 16 years to be involved in any work that can keep them away from school.
He indicated that such activities are not allowed by law and are defined as child Labour in accordance with Employment of Young Person’s and Children Act. Cap 276 adding that government will not support any such acts that will destroy the lives of children.
The Principle Labour Officer ordered for operations to be halted indefinitely until the company corrects the situation.
This is contained in a statement issued by Godfrida Chisala Public Relations Officer Ministry of Social Security.
