Between the ages of 13 and 16, children, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), are allowed to work part time in certain types of work. These can be, such as newspaper delivery or shop work. Children do not need a National Insurance number to work part time as they are not taxed. They must have a work permit to make the work legal. It is the responsibility of the employer to apply for the Work Permit.
Children are classed as “employed” if they participate in any paid or unpaid work for a not-for-profit business.
There are jobs children are not allowed to do, such as -
- selling alcohol
- delivering milk
- working in a commercial kitchen
Children are not allowed to work before 7am or after 7pm. There is a limited number of hours a child can work per week.
Download the application form and view the employment regulations.
Permitted working hours
Working hours vary depending on age. It also depends on whether the employment is during term time or school holidays. Night work is not allowed.
School term time
A child can work for no more than 12 hours per week. They can work a maximum of 2 hours on a school day in either of the following ways -
- one hour starting no earlier than 7am, before the start of school, and a maximum of one hour between the end of school and 7pm
- a maximum of 2 hours between the end of the school day and 7pm
School holidays
A child under 15 years may work -
- a maximum of 5 hours per day
- no more than 25 hours per week
A child over 15 years may work -
- a maximum of 8 hours per day
- no more than 35 hours per week
Where a child works for more than 4 hours, there must be a break of at least one hour at the end of the fourth hour.
Saturdays
- A child under 15 years may work a maximum of 5 hours per day
- A child over 15 years may work a maximum of 8 hours.
Sundays
- A maximum of 2 hours of work between 7am and 7pm
Health and Safety
The employer is responsible for the health and safety of the child whilst at work. They must -
- carry out a health and safety risk assessment before the child starts work
- notify parents that appropriate checks have been done
What parents should do
If your child has a job, you must ensure that -
- you know where your child is working
- their duties and hours of work are allowed
- they get a work permit
What employers should do
If you are employing school-age children, you have a legal duty to -
- apply for a work permit within 7 days using the online application form.
- undertake a risk assessment using a Risk Assessment Form
- ensure permitted hours are not exceeded
- ensure that compulsory rest breaks are observed
Employers who contravene the laws on the employment of children risk prosecution in the Magistrates Court.
What schools should do
Schools can help to prevent children working illegally by:
- raising awareness of child employment issues in schools
- Notifying the Education Welfare Service of pupils who are working without a permit or over legal hours
What the public should do
If you believe that a child is working illegally or during the school day, contact the Education Welfare Service.
EWSEducation@hullcc.gov.uk
Education Welfare Service
Room 128
The Guildhall
Hull
HU1 2AA