Employing young workers? Know the rules this summer

With the school holidays approaching, many young people will be looking forward to earning some extra money and gaining valuable work experience.  

While children can legally work part-time from the age of 13, there are important rules that employers must follow to ensure young people are employed safely and legally. 

Work Permits 

Any employer wishing to employ a child of compulsory school age must apply for a child employment permit through their local authority. 

 What Jobs Can Children Do? 

Many types of light work are suitable for school-aged children. However, some occupations are prohibited by law. 

 Children cannot be employed in roles such as: 

• Delivering fuel oils 
• Collecting money door-to-door 
• Working in a commercial kitchen 
• Working more than three metres above ground level 
• Working in a slaughterhouse or butcher's premises 
• Working as an attendant at a fairground or amusement arcade 
• Delivering milk 
• Telephone sales 
• Jobs involving harmful chemicals, biological agents or adult material 

Working hours 

During school holidays, children aged 13/14 can work a maximum of 25 hours Monday to Saturday between 7am and 7pm and those aged 15/16 can work up to 35 hours. There are additional rules for hours that can be worked at the weekends including a maximum of two hours on Sunday for both age groups.  

Children must be allowed a two-week period free from working during their school holidays each year so employers need to keep that in mind for youngsters looking for holiday-time jobs. 

Term time hours a lot shorter to ensure all children are fit and well, for school. 

Employer Responsibilities 

Employers have a legal duty to: 

• Carry out a Health and Safety Risk Assessment 
• Ensure their Employer's Liability Insurance covers child workers 
• Obtain a valid child employment permit before employment begins 

Failure to comply with child employment legislation can result in a fine of up to £1,000 per offence, per child. This includes employing children without a permit, allowing them to work excessive hours or employing them in prohibited occupations. 

For more information about child employment and the application process, visit the council website.