[benj111]

Yes it's weird that a 17 year old now isn't allowed to work.

Have they not been to any restaurants lately?

The major problem is the same issue with things like prostitution or drugs. If you ban it, you lose oversight and make it less safe.

I'd rather them allow kids to work, but put proper controls in place.

[Symbiote]

There are some regulations [1], though I note one of the restrictions is against working after 7pm.

[1] https://www.gov.uk/child-employment/restrictions-on-child-em...

[benj111]

Not for 16 (who've left school) and 17 years olds.

They just need to be in education, doing an apprenticeship or training part time.