SCHOOL CHILDREN & PART TIME WORK Children and Young People’s Service

So what are the benefits of having a part time job?

 It introduces you to the world of work  It can help you develop your self- confidence  It can help improve your ability to communicate with others  And of course it’s a good way of earning some money to buy the things that you want……………. HOWEVER

First and foremost……….. the primary focus has to remain your education. Although we can see how a part time job might enhance your education, the right balance has to be struck

It is for this reason a Law governing the employment of children exists.

 It is there to ensure that you are not exploited by an Employer  Your place of work is safe for you to be in so you do not come to any harm  Your education is not affected  And you still have spare time to enjoy social activities, etc

And what does this Law class as “Employment”?

You are considered to be “employed” if you assist in a business which operates for profit…  even if you are not getting paid for the work that you are doing  and even if the business you are working for is run by your own family… this Law will still apply to you

At what age can you start working?

The Law says you can legally work from the age of 13 And this Law will continue to protect you until you are no longer of compulsory school age. This is the last Friday in June in the academic year in which you reach the age of 16.

“And what type of work does the Law say I can do?” - What do you think?

Delivering newspapers, leaflets Shop work serving customers, filling shelves Waiting on tables in cafes & restaurants Washing hair, etc in a Hair Salon Office work, filing & answering the phone Domestic work in Hotels or B&Bs

Other types of employment include…  Light work in stables, kennels & catteries  Light agricultural & gardening work (with very limited use of machinery)  Working behind the counter of a fish & chip shop is allowed but for your own safety you are not permitted to fry the food. You can however prepare the potatoes, wrap the food and use the till.

Are there other types of work the Law does NOT permit me to do? YES…. Quite a few

 You CAN NOT work in a cinema, nightclub, slaughterhouse, butchers, betting shop, or any amusement arcade, including those in fairgrounds  You CAN NOT work in a commercial kitchen or in the personal care of residents in any residential care home or nursing home.  You CAN NOT sell alcohol, collect money or sell door to door or over the phone.  You CAN NOT use chemicals, collect rubbish, be exposed to material which is classed as unsuitable for children, or undertake work which may involve you being more than 3 metres above the ground.

Now that I know what I can and can’t do, what hours am I allowed to work? – What do you think?

At 13 & 14 you can work: 2 hours on a School day (either 1 hour before and 1 hour after or 2 hours after) 5 hours on a Saturday 2 hours on a Sunday But no more than a maximum of 12 hours per week in total during term time and no more than 25 hours during the school holidays

And at what time can I start work in a morning?

7am You are not allowed to start work before

And what is latest time I can work up until?

7pm You are not allowed to finish work any later than

Once you turn 15 though you can work more hours on a Saturday and during a school holiday but the 7am and 7pm start and finish times still apply

At 15 & 16 you can work: 2 hours on a School day (either 1 hour before and 1 hour after or 2 hours after) 8 hours on a Saturday 2 hours on a Sunday But no more than a maximum of 12 hours per week in total during term time and no more than 35 hours during the school holidays

Did you know…  If you are employed your Employer must let you have at least 2 consecutive weeks holiday and these must fall during the school holidays.  Your Employer must let you have a 1 hour break after a period of 4 hours working.  There is no minimum wage for school children

Do these same restrictions apply to work experience that I may want to do through school?

This law does not apply to your work experience with regards to the hours you can work and in the main the jobs that you can do, although a few of the restrictions do still apply. There is a different type of “insurance” put in place to cover an Employer when you undertake your work experience placement.

What does the Welfare Team do to ensure that children like you are being protected by this Law?

Under the Law your Employer needs to apply for a work permit for you. We will provide them with an application form for you or they can download one from our website We will check the application form to ensure that the type of work and times you are working are legally allowed, and only when we have satisfied ourselves that you will be safe, and your education will not suffer, will we issue you with an Employment Permit. We will send your Employment Permit directly to you and a copy will be sent to your Employer. You must carry this permit with you when you are working. If I visit your Employer, I will ask to see this.

What should I do if I do not have a permit and I believe that the hours and work I am doing are against the Law?

Speak to your Parent or even a teacher and ask them to contact the Welfare Team at the Council. We will look into any concerns you may have and your inquiry can remain anonymous so please do not be afraid to speak up. Your safety and education are very important to us.

Applications forms and further information can be located on our website at: These forms can also be posted to your Employer or sent to yourself to pass on to your Employer by calling a member of our Welfare Team on

Any questions?