Paper round ban is 'bonkers': UKIP's Bill Etheridge
EU plans to ban British schoolchildren from having paper rounds have been branded 'stark, staring bonkers' by a West Midlands MEP.
A report from the European Committee of Social Rights says rules allowing children aged 15 to deliver newspapers for up to two hours before school on weekdays breaks a 55-year-old social charter.
It also said that provisions allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to work for 35 hours in the week in the holidays were 'excessive'.
But West Midlands MEP Bill Etheridge has blasted what he called 'barmy Brussels bureaucrats' for 'another example of unnecessary EU interference'.
"The suggestion to outlaw children's newspaper rounds is complete and utter nonsense" he said.
"At the end of the day we are talking about enterprising and hard working children here who are trying to earn a few quid.
"It helps children to prepare for the world of work and youngsters also get some exercise while they are doing their rounds.
"Children also learn about the importance of punctuality and make a contribution to their local communities.
"The suggested ban is stark, staring bonkers and I will fight any moves that lead to such a ban being introduced. My message to the EU is on your bike."
