The law relating to working with children has come a long way. The aim of current law is to protect children and young people, and for the prospective employer this means being aware of what and can not be done. Please do be aware that local bylaws may also apply.

1. Cherubs - Children under 10
No work can be done. The only exception to this rule relates to child actors, models etc. Such children need a performance license and different rules apply. Employers wanting to employ children need a license from their Local Education Authority and generally employmers of the under 14’s only get a license if the role they are performing can only be done by someone of their age. As you would expect, there are also limits on the times such children can work – this varies according to the individual child’s age.

2. Tweenies - Children aged 10 to 13
Generally children of this age, with the exception of the child actors etc above, can not work in a business. There are very limited exceptions which apply to limited aspects of work such as farm work and horticultural work that is owned by a parent. Even these exceptions require supervision by the parent.

3. Teens - Children aged 13 to 14
There are limitations to the type of work that can be done (see below) but children of this age can do light work, such as assisting in a shop, provided the employer holds a Local Authority permit (see below).

4. Teens - Children aged 15 just below the school minimum leaving age
While the limitations to the type of work that can be done (see below) remain provided the employer holds a Local Authority permit (see below) then children can again do light work for that employer.

Local Authority Permit
Each Authority has its own rules so employers must check in their own area. It is the employer’s responsibility to apply for the permit. Usually the application form must also be signed by the employer, the child’s parent or guardian and, for work during school term (work experience etc) by a teacher from the child’s school. The form must be submitted before the child starts work. This is usually at least seven days before.

Other than the exceptions for child actors etc (where special rules apply), a child under the minimum school leaving age cannot work for an employer who does not have a permit.

Working hours

Applies to ALL children 13 and over

• Work a maximum of 12 hours in any school week
• Not work before 7am or after 7pm
• Work a maximum of 2 hours on a school day (1 hour before & 1 hour after school)
• Only work for 2 hours on a Sunday
• Have at least 2 weeks without any work each year
• Have a rest break of at least 1 hour once they have worked for 4 hours 

Applies to 13-15 year olds
• Work up to 5 hours on a Saturday
• Work up to 5 hours a day on weekdays in school holidays
• Work up to 25 hours a week in school holidays

Applies to Applies to 15 year olds who haven't left school
• Work up to 8 hours on a Saturday
• Work up to 8 hours a day on weekdays in school holidays
• Work up to 35 hours a week in school holidays
      
Work which children can’t do
Examples of the sort of work that children can’t do include:
X    Working in a factory, industrial site, building site etc
X    Working in a betting shop, fairground, gambling establishment, cinema, nightclub etc or
X    Working with exposure to adult  material or in any unsuitable environment
X    Work in any capacity (e.g. slaughterhouse) connected with killing livestock
X    Telephone sales
X    Collecting money except when supervised by an adult
X    Collect refuse

Other things to take into account
•    Heath and Safety issues
•    Risk Assessment
•    Insurance
•    Confidentiality
•    Child protection

Note: Some of this is not relevant if you are your own boss - a kidpreneur - but then other restrictions come in to play, such as you not being allowed to sign contracts until you are 16, or more usually 18. We'll be covering this is a separate article, so keep your eyes peeled if this is of interest!

Sue McGaughran is one if the founders of LimeOne, along with our legal Consultant, Antonia Barbour.

If this is of interest, join the conversation