Education Welfare Services (EWS)
Child Employment
Children and young people can work on a part time basis however they are limited,
depending on age to number
of hours they can work as well as the type of employment.
Click here for information regarding children employed in entertainment, sports
or modelling
All part-time employment of young people of school age is subject to regulation
by the Local Authority. Employers and young people will need to apply for a Work
Permit (96KB, pdf
format). Any employer who allows a child of school age to work, without first
obtaining a work permit, is breaking the law and could be prosecuted.
As part of Health & Safety legislation the employer is required to carry
out a risk assessment whenever they
are considering employing children regardless of the type of work.
An application form must be completed by the employer, signed by the parent
or guardian of the child and returned to Education Welfare Service, Hill View,
Welling, Kent DA16 3RY. When authorised a work permit will be issued to the child,
with copies sent to the employer, parent and school.This will take up to 21 days.
If the child does not receive a work
permit (96KB, pdf
format) it might mean that no application has been made. This could mean
that the child is not covered by the employer's insurance in the event of an accident
at work.
Your Questions Answered
What does employed mean?
A child is employed if she/he assists in a trade or occupation
which is carried on for profit - whether or not the child receives pay or reward
for that employment. The Regulations also apply to Parents employing their own
children in the family business.
How old does a child have to be before they can start work?
No Child is allowed to work until they are 13 years of age.
How many hours can they work?
There are different working hours allowed for 13/14 year olds
and 15/16 year olds. Please see table
of hours.
What type of work can a young person do?
This is dependant on the young persons age. Children aged 13
may only be employed in light work in specified occupations, some of which are
listed below. For a complete list refer to Employment Bye-laws.
- Delivery of newspapers;
- Shop work - including shelf stacking;
- Hairdressing salons;
- In riding stables
A child aged 14 or over may be employed only in light work .
Do I need a work permit if my child is helping out with the 'family business'
and not getting paid?
YES. See definition of employed.
My children are 16 and have just received their national insurance
card, are they now exempt from child employment regulations?
NO. If the young person is still of compulsory
school age (Yr 11) they are restricted to the number
of hours they can work and still have to apply for a work permit.
Surely if they have their national insurance card they can work
full time?
NO. There is a legal requirement for all children of compulsory
school age
to attend school . They will not be able to leave school until the
official June leaving date in the appropriate year. Any full time
work undertaken, unless part of a work experience program would
be deemed illegal.
Is there any work a young person or child can not do?
Some forms of employment are prohibited. For a complete list
refer to Employment Bye Laws or Prohibited
Employment Table.
Who issues the work permit and how do I get one?
The local authority where the employment takes place is responsible
for the issuing of the permit. For premises within Bexley contact Education
Welfare, Hill View, Hill View Drive, Welling, Kent. DA16 3RY. Tel 0808 836
8121.
How long will it take to issue a work permit?
The local authority will issue a work permit within 21 days on
receipt of the application form.
Can a work permit be issued before a job is found?
NO. You cannot apply for a work permit until you have a job.
This is because the application for a work permit requires details of the employer
and the proposed occupation.
Why get a work permit, surely it's not that important?
Yes it is important. It's a legal requirement. It ensures that
the employer has undertaken an assessment of any risks that the child may face
whilst at work. It also ensures that the child has the protection of appropriate
insurance cover in case of an accident whilst at work.
Can a work permit be revoked?
Yes. If the work undertaken is having a detrimental effect on
the child's health or school attendance.
Is there a minimum wage for children?
Young workers under 18 are excluded from the National Minimum
Wage. Wages are a matter of negotiation with the employer.
Will children be charged tax on their earnings?
Income tax will not be liable unless children's earnings are
above the current weekly limit of £87.21. There is however a requirement
that the employer keeps records regarding payments. Your child may therefore be
asked to complete a tax form but this will not necessarily mean that they will
be expected to pay tax.
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