RELATED CHAPTER
Please read this information in collaboration with Supporting Online Safety.
CONTENTS
1. Overview
Children of compulsory school age may undertake part-time employment from the age of 13, provided the work is suitable, does not affect their health, wellbeing or education, and complies with child employment legislation.
Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure that children are employed safely and within the restrictions on the types of work they can undertake and the hours they are permitted to work. In Sussex, all children of compulsory school age who are employed must have a Child Employment Permit (Work Permit) issued by the relevant local authority. Employers who fail to obtain the required permit may be liable to a fine.
Employers are also responsible for carrying out an appropriate risk assessment and ensuring that work is suitable for the child’s age and abilities.
2. When Children Can Work
There are regulations about working times for children. Children cannot work:
- during school hours;
- before 7am or after 7pm;
- for more than an hour before school;
- for more than 4 hours without taking a break of at least an hour;
- without having a 2 week break from work during the school holidays in each calendar year.
3. Term Time Rules
During term time, children can only work for a maximum of 12 hours per week. This includes a maximum of:
- 2 hours on school days or Sundays;
- 5 hours on Saturdays for 14 year olds, or 8 hours for 15 to 16 year olds.
4. School Holiday Rules
There are different rules for different ages.
4.1 14 year olds
During school holidays, 14 year olds can only work for a maximum of 25 hours per week. This includes a maximum of:
- 5 hours on weekdays and Saturdays;
- 2 hours on Sundays
4.2 15 and 16 year olds
During school holidays 15 and 16 year olds can only work for a maximum of 35 hours per week. This includes a maximum of:
- 8 hours on weekdays and Saturdays;
- 2 hours on Sundays.
5. Jobs Children are Allowed To Do
- working in a shop, like helping at the checkout;
- putting things on shelves;
- delivering newspapers or leaflets;
- office work;
- serving food and drinks in a café or restaurant;
- washing cars by hand;
- light work on a farm or in a garden;
- helping at a riding stable;
- sweeping up in a hairdresser’s;
- helping in hotels;
- jobs in entertainment.
6. Jobs Children are Not Allowed To Do
- working in a kitchen in a restaurant or pub;
- serving alcoholic drinks;
- working in cinemas, discos, nightclubs, or theatres;
- working in a factory or big workshop;
- building work or working with scaffolding or garages;
- jobs with gambling;
- helping with milk delivery or in butcher shops;
- selling things on the phone;
- serving petrol or handling anything dangerous;
- selling things door to door or on the street;
- lifting heavy things.
7. Work Experience
Work experience is different from having a job. It is part of school life and has its own rules. The jobs and hours are not the same as for normal work.
8. Children in Entertainment (including Social Media)
Children and young people under the age of 18 who take part in paid or organised performances or activities in entertainment may also be covered by child performance legislation. This includes work in television, film, theatre, modelling, advertising and, increasingly, content creation for social media and digital platforms where children are participating in commercial activity or promoting products or services.
Depending on the nature of the activity, a Child Performance Licence may be required from the relevant local authority, even where no payment is made directly to the child. Those responsible for employing or engaging children in these activities must ensure that appropriate licences are obtained where required, suitable safeguarding arrangements are in place, and the child’s welfare, education and wellbeing remain the primary consideration.
9. Local Guidance and Application Forms
For local guidance, application forms and further information, please refer to the relevant local authority:
9.1 Brighton & Hove City Council
- Apply for permission to employ a child
- Children in entertainment and employment. Contact the team for information on child entertainment or employment licences or exemptions: [email protected]
