Starmer to issue formal apology to mothers and children harmed by historic forced adoption policies – UK politics live

Between 1949 and 1976, an estimated 185,000 babies were taken from unmarried mothers and placed for adoption in England and WalesHelen Hayes, the Labour chair of the Commons education committee, has said today’s apology from the prime minister to victims of historic forced adoption policies should include a commitment to “meaningful and ongoing support”.In a statement, she said:I welcome today’s long-overdue apology for the state’s role in the historical forced adoption practices that coerced and traumatised mothers and children for decades. While an apology should have been made years ago, I am pleased that the day some campaigners feared would never come has finally arrived …When the committee published our report earlier this year, we were clear that an apology must be unequivocal, must be co-produced with and reflect the experiences of survivors, and must commit to offer them meaningful and ongoing support … Today’s apology is an important milestone, but it is only a first step.The current regulations governing part-time work for young people are also cumbersome. For example, at present, school-age workers may work no more than two hours on a Sunday, whether during term time or school holidays. This makes Sunday near impossible for employers and pointless for employees. Those below school leaving age are also prohibited from working after 7 pm. This rules out many of the evening and weekend shifts that are most compatible with school times.In many areas local authorities also require employers to obtain a child employment permit before employing anyone below school leaving age. Taken together these measures make it near impossible for young people to take on summer jobs.A generation risks being locked out of the workplace, missing out on the skills, confidence and experience that come from a summer job.The plans we are announcing today will help change that by allowing employers to once again give young people the chance they need. Continue reading...