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Complex legislation
Legislation relating to young people under school leaving age is lengthy and diverse and can vary from one local authority to another. Below you will find some general principles but you should also use the links at the bottom of this page for more detailed guidance or contact your local authority.
General rules
- No young person under 13 can be employed. (Acting is an exception, when a part can only be undertaken by a child of that age)
- Young people that are under the age of 16 require a work permit from your local authority.
- Young people under the school-leaving age must not do any work before 7am or after 7pm (paid or unpaid)
- Nobody under 16 may be employed in any dangerous or manufacturing activity.
Term time and holiday working
- Young people under the school-leaving age must not do:
- any work before 7am or after 7pm (paid or unpaid)
- more than two hours work on a school day or a Sunday
- work before the close of school hours (Local Authorities may have their own bylaws)
- more than twelve hours work a week during school term time
- more than four hours work without taking at least a one hour break
- work in prohibited occupations that maybe harmful to their health such as pubs or betting shops (consult local authority if in doubt)
- 13 and 14 year olds must not work more than five hours per day on Saturdays and during school holidays.
- 13 and 14 year olds must not work more than 25 hours in total per week during school holidays.
- 15-16 year olds must not work more than eight hours per day on Saturdays and during school holidays.
- 15-16 year olds must not work more than 35 hours in total per week during school holidays.
- In each calendar year young people must have a two-week break from any work during the school holiday.
- You must have a risk assessment or review existing risk assessments before taking on a young person still at school.
Help lines
- Essex Child Employment Team – 01245 436743
- Southend Child Employment Team – 01702 215909
- Thurrock Child Employment Officer – 01375 652568
Useful websites
Department of Health
You can download a summary of the legislation which governs the employment of children.
Last updated: 26/01/11