The recent article by Mizen, Bolton and Pole (1999) is a welcome addition to the literature on child labour in contemporary Britain. We agree with the authors that academics have neglected this issue for too long. They are correct to highlight the need for a fuller understanding of children's motivation to work. However, there are a number of points in the article with which we disagree. In responding to it, we hope to stimulate debate on a range of issues on child labour which need to be addressed.

As part of what Mizen and his colleagues refer to as the ‘Paisley Group’ we would suggest that their interpretation of research, including our own, is debatable. In addition, their review is somewhat selective as it excludes some enlightening texts. Our main concern is to question their suggestion that research is heading into a cul de sac.