Child employment
Part time work can improve your confidence, give you valuable experience and let you earn some money.
There are some regulations you must be aware of.
These regulations apply until you stop being of compulsory school age. The last Friday in June of your final year of school.
You must be at least 13 years old to work part time.
You must be registered with us when starting any part time work.
It is your employer's responsibility to request a work permit, but you or your parents can ask for an application form.
We will register and issue a work permit (renewable annually) if:
- the work and hours comply with the legislation
- you attend school regularly and on time
- there are no health and welfare concerns
You do not need a work permit for odd jobs at home/a neighbour's home, babysitting for family/friends or work experience organised by your school.
Times you can work
If working more than 4 hours in any day there must be 1 hour rest break.
There must be 2 consecutive weeks without employment in the year.
During Term Time
All ages – maximum 12 hours per week
- between 7am and 7pm daily but not during the school day
- for 2 hours maximum with only 1 hour before school begins
- for 5 hours on Saturdays if you are 13 or 14 years old
- for 8 hours on Saturdays if you are 15 or 16 years old
- for 2 hours on Sundays if you are 13 to 16 years old
You are not allowed to work when absence from school has been due to illness.
You are not allowed to work during school hours when on study leave.
During School Holidays
13 and 14 years – maximum 25 hours per week
15 and 16 years – maximum 35 hours per week
- between 7am-7pm daily
- for 5 hours daily from Monday to Saturday if you are 13 or 14 years old
- for 8 hours daily from Monday to Saturday if you are 15 or 16 years old
- for 2 hours on Sundays if you are 13 to 16 years old.
Work 13 year olds can do
- deliver newspapers
- hairdressing
- deliver leaflets
- domestic work
- shop work
- agriculture
- shelf stacking
- horticulture
- office work
- car washing by hand in a private residential area
- light work in a café or restaurant
- light work in riding stables
The work must not involve the use of dangerous machines or chemicals.
Work 14-16 year olds can do
All the above, plus light work which is not prohibited. Light work in a café or restaurant, light work in riding stables.
The work must not involve the use of dangerous machines or chemicals.
Work you can't do
- milk delivery
- telesales
- street trading
- collecting money, selling or canvassing door to door
- working more than 3 metres above ground
- working in cinemas/theatres/discos/night clubs
- working in commercial kitchens including mobile outlets
- work involving harmful exposure to physical/biological/chemical agents
- to sell/deliver alcohol – except in sealed containers
- as an attendant at a fairground
- in personal care of residents in nursing/care homes
- in a slaughterhouse
- collecting/sorting refuse
- delivering/collecting sea coal
- work of nature to be considered unsuitable for children
- any work relating to gambling
Useful forms
- Child employment application form [word document]
- Body of persons approval application form [word document]
- Body of persons approval contract [word document]
- Entertainment licence application form [word document]
- Chaperone application form [word document]
If you need any further information please call 01325 406161.