Child Employment Work Permit

Part-time work can improve children’s confidence, provide valuable experience and earn them some money. Any job must be done outside of school hours. It must not affect their studies or mean they miss school.

 

All children of compulsory school age who have a job must have a work permit from the local authority where the business is based (even if they are working voluntarily). The jobs that children can legally do are restricted by the Child Employment laws.

 

It’s illegal to employ children under the age of 13 unless they are taking part in a paid performance (e.g. a play or film), sport or modelling and you have obtained a child performance licence from the relevant local authority.

 

How to apply

You will need to complete an application form from your local authority providing details about the child and business.

 

You’ll also need to provide:

Evidence that the job is not dangerous (e.g. a risk assessment)

 

If a permit is granted you’ll receive a letter of confirmation with a work permit enclosed from the local authority.

 

Fines and penalties

If you fail to obtain a work permit for a child that you employ, you may be fined up to £1,000.

 

More information and guidelines on Child Employment

NNCEE - National Network for Children in Employment & Entertainment

 

After statutory school age

Children can only start full-time work once they’ve reached the minimum school leaving age - they can then work up to a maximum of 40 hours a week.

 

Once someone reaches 16, you may need to pay them through PAYE.

 

Once someone reaches 18, adult employment rights and rules then apply. For more information visit Tell HMRC about a new employee: Get employee information - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

Click here for further information about the employment of school aged children

Click here for a work permit application form