School children and part-time work
A guide for parents, employers, schools and pupils
All young people who work or assist in a trade or occupation which is carried on for profit are considered to be employed, even if they receive no payment for that assistance.
No child under 13 years may be employed. Children from 13 to compulsory school leaving age must have a permit if they work.
- The employer must apply for a Work Permit for the child
- The child must carry the Work Permit with them when working
- The employer is responsible for the Health and Safety of the child whilst at work
- There are limits to the times and days that children can work
- There are limits to the types of employment that children are allowed to do
The employment of children is regulated by:
- The Children & Young Persons Act 1933 and 1963;
- The Education Act 1996;
- The Children (Protection at Work) Regulations 1998
- Wakefield District Council Byelaws.
- These alter depending on age
- There are different rules for school term time and during school holidays
- Night work is prohibited
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All Days |
- No work before 7.00 am of after 7.00 pm
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| School Term Time |
- No work during school hours
- No work for more than 2 hours
- Not more than 12 hours work per week
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| School Holidays |
- No more than 5 hours work per day if child us under 15
- No more than 25 hours per week if child is under 15
- No more than 8 hours work per day if child is 15 or over
- No more than 35 hours per week if child is 15 or over
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| Saturdays |
- Not more than 5 hours work if child is under 15
- No more than 8 hours work if child is 15 or over
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| Sundays |
- No more than 2 hours work during the day
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| Rest Breaks and Holidays |
- No more than 4 hours work without a rest break of at least one hour
- At least 2 weeks holiday per year, which must be work and school free
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What should parents do?
If your child has a job you must ensure that:
- You know where your child is working
- Their duties and hours of work are allowed
- Ensure that they get a work permit
What should employers do?
If you are employing school-age children you have a legal duty to:
- Apply for a work permit within 7 days (see 'Downloads' for a permit application form)
- Undertake a Risk Assessment
- Ensure permitted hours are not exceeded
- Ensure that compulsory rest breaks are observed
Employers who contravene the laws on employment of children risk prosecution in Magistrates Court
Schools can help to prevent children working illegally by:
- Raising awareness of child employment issues in school
- Notifying their Education Welfare Officer of pupils who are working
