Child employment work permit

Part-time work for children

Part-time work can help children build confidence, gain experience and earn money. However, it must:

  • take place outside of school hours
  • not affect school attendance or learning

Do children need a work permit?

Yes. 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 the work is voluntary.

Children under 13 years old cannot be employed unless they are involved in a licensed performance, such as acting, sport or modelling. In these cases, a child performance licence is required.

How to apply

To apply for a work permit, you must:

  1. complete the child work permit application form (EMP1)
  2. provide evidence that the job is safe (for example a risk assessment)

If approved, you will receive a confirmation letter and the child’s work permit from us.

Fines and penalties

Employers who fail to obtain a work permit for a child may be fined up to £1,000.

After school leaving age

Children can start full-time work once they reach the minimum school leaving age. They can then work up to 40 hours per week.

  • At 16, employers may need to pay them through PAYE
  • At 18, adult employment rights apply

More information and guidelines on child employment

NNCEE - National Network for Children in Employment and Entertainment

Employment of school-aged children