Child employment
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Properly structured and regulated part-time work can help children’s development and preparation for working life as long as it does not have an adverse impact on their education. It can allow them greater independence and should give them an advantage when seeking work as adults. Money is the prime motivator, for numerous reasons. On some occasions, it may be a direct response to family poverty or hardship.
Working times
Children may work for:
• A maximum of two hours on school days
• A maximum of two hours on Sundays
• A maximum of five hours (13–14-year-olds) or eight hours (15–16-year-olds) on Saturdays
• A maximum of 12 hours per week during school term
During school holidays children may work for up to five hours (13–14-year-olds) or eight hours (15–16-year-olds) on weekdays subject to a maximum weekly limit of 25 hours (13 –14-year-olds) or 35 hours (15–16-year-olds).
Children may not work:
• For more than an hour before school
• During schools hours
• Before 7am or after 7pm
• For more than four hours without a break of at least one hour
• Without an employment permit issued by the LEA
• In any industrial setting, e.g. factory or building site
• In any occupations prohibited by local byelaws or other legislation, e.g. pubs, betting shops, or in any work that may be harmful to their health, well-being or education
Employment permits
Employers must inform their LEA that they have employed a school-age child. If satisfied with the arrangements, the LEA will issue the child with an employment permit. This may be rescinded, or employment in someway restricted, should there be any concern that the child's health or education is suffering.
Age restrictions
The youngest age that a child can work is 13, although exceptions
can occasionally be made for younger children involved in certain theatrical or
other performances. Local authority byelaws may place further restrictions on
the hours and conditions of work and nature of employment.
Main text
Legislation
Further information
