The definition of ‘employment’ as applies to children of statutory school age includes assistance in any trade or occupation which is carried on for profit, whether or not payment is received for that assistance.
A child can officially work as an adult after the last Friday in June, at the end of Year 11.
Many parents and employers do not know that children below minimum school leaving age who have a job that is part of business are regarded as 'working' whether or not they are paid. If they are working without a work permit they will they are unlikely to be covered by the employer’s insurance policy.
Children of statutory school age must ensure they are familiar with the byelaws outlined below before they commence any part-time work.
Working in a prohibited occupation or without a licence in a permitted occupation can result in employers or parents being prosecuted and fined up to £1000.
Any child undertaking any part-time work must be 13 or over.
They may only be employed in one or more of the following categories:
Agricultural or horticultural work
Delivery of newspapers, journals and other printed material
Shop work, including shelf stacking
Hairdressing salons
Office work
Café or restaurant
Riding stables
Domestic work in hotels and other establishments offering accommodation
| Age | Days | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 13-14 | School days Saturday Sunday School Holidays |
2 hours a day (Maximum of 12 hours in a school week 5 hours 2 hours 5 hours (Maximum of 25 hours in a week) |
| 15-16 | School days Saturday Sunday School Holidays |
2 hours a day (Maximum of 12 hours in a week) 8 hours 2 hours 8 hours (Maximim of 35 hours in a week) |
No child of any age may be employed in the following kinds of work:
Cinema, theatre, discotheque, dance hall or night club, except in connection with a performance given entirely by children
Sell or deliver alcohol, except in sealed containers
Deliver milk
Deliver fuel oils
Commercial kitchen
Collect or sort refuse
In employment involving harmful exposure to physical,biological or chemical agents
Collect money, sell or canvass, door to door
Telephone sales
Slaughterhouse, or butchers shop
Attendant or assistant in a fairground or amusement
Child Employment Form (PDF)
Must be signed by employer and parent.
You may be interested in our Factsheet:
The Licensing Officer
Safeguarding and Partnerships
Unit 10 Whitney Court
Southlink Business Park
Oldham, OL4 1DB
Phone: 0161 770 6627
Email:child.licensing@oldham.gov.uk
The National Child Employment Network has a national website which you may want to search for further information.