Transfiguration here we come

[bluesqueak]

--- In the_old_crowd at yahoogroups.com, "Barry Arrowsmith" 
<arrowsmithbt at ...> wrote:
>
> > 
> > But in the end, it's up to her. After all, if she decides she 
wants 
> > her life back, it's now her decision, not her parents. 
> > Pip!Squeak
> >
> 
> Small snag - her signature on a contract means nothing, she's
> only 16 and the contract would not be valid.
> 

Are you sure about that, Kneasy? We're talking employment law here, 
not buying a house, making a will or agreeing to medical treatment. 
Employment contracts apply to 16 year olds, because 16 year olds can 
take full-time employment.

> Her parent/guardian decides what is best for her and, no doubt
> after family discussions, will append the necessary moniker - or
> not. 
> 

Again, are you sure about that? My understanding is that a 16 year 
old in the UK can take a job without their parents permission, with 
the exception of joining the Armed Forces (presumably because joining 
the Armed Forces is bloody dangerous). This implies that they can 
agree to a contract of employment without needing a parental 
signature. Certainly once a young actor hits 16, they no longer 
require chaperoneage, nor must they attend school/be provided with a 
tutor whether they like it or not. 16 year olds have no restrictions 
on their hours and may also have their own agent. 16 year olds are 
(for employment purposes) legally quite distinct from 15 year olds.

> Just hope her parents aren't low enough to commit her to
> something she doesn't want to do - it's happened before with 
> under-age stars and often has unfortunate consequences.

Again, my understanding is that once you hit 16, you gain a 
considerable number of rights regarding your parents and their 
ability to force you to take a job you don't want. 

Pip!Squeak