Child employment licence
There are laws governing the employment of school aged children.
Young people of school age can legally be employed
- At age 13 and above
- In certain types of work and for restricted hours – see below
- If they have a licence issued by the local authority.
Who can apply for a licence?
- It is the employer's responsibility to notify the local authority and to apply for a licence
- Young people and parents can also download an employment licence application form below.
Jobs a young person of school age is allowed to do
At age 13, young people are allowed to do light work in the following areas:
- Agriculture or horticultural businesses (occasional and only under direct supervision of a parent/guardian)
- Newspaper delivery
- Shop work including shelf stacking
- Hairdressing salons
- Office work
- Cafes or restaurants (front of house only)
- Riding stables, kennels and catteries
- Domestic work in hotels
- Car washing in private residential settings.
Young people aged 14 and over can also do other light work
- which is not harmful to their safety, health and development
- which does not interfere with the school day
Work that young people of school age are not allowed to do
- Cinema, theatre or night club
- Commercial kitchen
- Slaughter house, butchery or place preparing meat for sale
- Fairground, amusement arcade or premises with game and gambling machines
- Collect or sort refuse
- Work more than 3 metres off the ground or with harmful chemicals
- Work where there is access to adult material unsuitable for children
- Be responsible for the personal needs of residents in care or nursing homes
- Sell or deliver alcohol (except in sealed containers)
- Deliver milk or fuel oils
- Collect money, sell or canvass door to door or by telephone.
How many hours can a young person work?
Children aged 13/14
| Daily limit | Number of hours |
|---|---|
| School days | 2 hours |
| School holidays (Monday to Friday) | 5 hours |
| Saturday | 5 hours |
| Sunday | 2 hours |
| Weekly limit | Number of hours |
|---|---|
| School term | 12 hours |
| School holidays | 25 hours |
Children aged 15/16
| Daily limit | Number of hours |
|---|---|
| School days | 2 hours |
| School holidays (Monday to Friday) | 8 hours |
| Saturday | 8 hours |
| Sunday | 2 hours |
| Weekly limit | Number of hours |
|---|---|
| School term | 12 hours |
| School holidays | 35 hours |
A child must have a one hour break after four hours work. Any additional breaks are at the discretion of the employer.
Young people cannot work
- Before 7am or after 7pm on any day of the week
- For more than 2 hours on a school day
- For more than 2 hours on a Sunday
- For more than 12 hours per week during school term time
- For more than 4 hours without a break of one 1 hour.
They must have a break of at least two consecutive weeks during school holidays.
What is the employer's responsibility?
- To check that the young person is of compulsory school age and ensure the young person is licensed by the local authority in the area where the work is.
- To complete a risk assessment to ensure the young person's health and safety
- To ensure they hold valid employer's liability insurance.
How to apply for a licence
Download an application form below and return it to us.