Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) Best Practice Guidance

4.5 That no worker is under 15 years or the law requirement if this is higher. If age 14 is allowed in
accordance with developing country exceptions (ILO convention 138) the lower age may apply.
4.6. That if any historical child labour is found i.e. workers hired at below minimum age that are now above
legal age, the auditor checks whether the current system is sufficiently robust to prevent this happening
in the future.
4.7. That all young workers (up to age 18 years) meet all local legal requirements which may include (but
not be limited to):
a. Registration with local authority.
b. Consent of parent or guardian.
c. Contract and appropriate documents state limitations on type of work e.g. no hazards or night
work.
d. Records of medical examinations in personnel files (annual if required by law).
4.8. That the site keeps a list of young workers and their job roles.
4.9. Check hiring and termination records for the previous 12 months to check if any pattern of sacking
young workers prior to audit.
4.10. Evaluates any training / apprenticeships schemes in operation and records the terms and conditions.
Checks if these meet the law. This may include but not be limited to:
a. Signature of parent or guardian.
b. Registered with local authority.
c. Pay and benefits according to law e.g. wage rates, hours worked, time as trainee / apprentice,
social security payments and other benefits.
4.11. That the site has a system in place to check age at subcontractors / any homeworkers.
4.12. That any vocational training is of an appropriate nature e.g. does not involve working with hazardous
chemicals or heavy machinery.
4.13. Checks whether the site has remediation policies and procedures to remove any child labour found and
supporting them with educational / vocational training. This should include but not be limited to:
a. A statement requiring any child no longer works.
b. A method for keeping the child safe and protected whilst not being at risk and not being required
to work.
c. Requirement for the payment of a stipend.
d. The need to contact the child’s parents.
e. Possible re-allocation of work to an adult family member.
f. Local education programmes for any child found.
SMETA Best Practice Guidance (4-Pillar Version 4.0, May 2012)
4.14. Checks whether any previously found child has been successfully remediated and whether they meet
the conditions in 4.13.
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