When is a 15 year old able to legally have a part-time job?

[kazza55]

Please can someone help me with this as I'm totally confused.
We live in England and our daughter wants a part-time job during the holidays whilst she continues with her schooling. She'll be 16 at the end of November 2008. Does this mean she can apply for a job now or does she have to wait until next year? I'm confused about the compulsory school age thing and even what hours children are allowed to work.

[Richard1966]

Hi, took this of our work information system, its a bit long winded but should cover it. Hope this helps

No one under school leaving age can be employed in work other than light work. You are not allowed to do work which is likely to be harmful to your safety, health, development, or work that will affect your attendance at school or participation in work experience. You are not allowed to work:-

in a factory or in construction work
in transport
in a mine
on a registered merchant ship.

The local authority where you live may also have some extra rules, called by-laws, about the employment of children and young people in your area. You should check with your local authority if you want to find out what these are. By-laws authorising children and young people to work in street trading must say which days, which hours, and the places where, they may work.

Employers who want to employ children or young people under school leaving age are required to get a permit from their local authority. The permit must be signed by both the employer and one of your parents.

There are some extra rules about the employment of children under 14. If you are under 14, you are not allowed to work at all except in the following types of work:-

to take part in sport, advertising, modelling, plays, films, television or other entertainment.
The employer must apply for a licence from the local authority
to do odd jobs for a parent, relative or neighbour
to do babysitting.

However, children of 13 or above may be able to do some other types of work, depending on the by-laws of the local authority in their area. For example, the by-laws may say that children of 13 and above in your area can do a paper-round, or that you can do light work which is not likely to be harmful to your health, safety or development.

[Buenchico]

Until Friday 26 June 2009 (which is your daughter's official school leaving date), the following rules apply:


At all times
A work permit must be issued by the local education authority;

No work to be before 7am or after 7pm


During school terms
A maximum of 1 hour before school and a total maximum of 2 hours on any schoolday;

A maximum of 8 hours on a Saturday;

A maximum of 2 hours on a Sunday;

A total maximum of 12 hours per week.


During school holidays
A maximum of 8 hours per day, Monday to Saturday ;

A maximum of 2 hours on Sundays ;

A total maximum of 35 hours per week

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/ParentsRig hts/DG_4002945

Chris