The offences, which occurred between July and October 2007, related to three children who were all 14 years of age at the time.

Legislation prevents children under the age of 16 being employed past 10pm at night, and the court heard that on one occasion, two of the children worked until 10.30pm while one child worked until 10.30pm on nine occasions.

The offences were described by Industrial Court Magistrate Cichinni as being at the lower end of the scale, but still serious.

Acting director of compliance with the Labour Relations Division of the Department for Consumer and Employment Protection (DOCEP), Carole Baetge, said Red Rooster had acknowledged in court they had been fully informed about the new rules governing child employment.

The new rules came into effect in March 2006 and are designed to protect children in employment, to allow for their schooling and to allow them to live the life of a child.

Red Rooster blamed failures in their systems for the offences.

Ms Baetge said DOCEP would continue to prosecute employers who breach the laws, and advised that any employer who is unsure of their obligations regarding employing children under 15 should contact the Department’s Wageline service on 1300 655 266.