Employment for young people
Earning your own dosh!
What you need to know about getting a job.
Are you old enough?
If you are between 13 and 16 and you want to get a job you have to get permission from your local authority as there are only certain types of jobs you are legally allowed to do. Your employer/parent and school will have to complete a form that you can obtain from your local council; they will then issue a permit to allow you to work. Don't worry, there is no cost, the permit is free!
Once you reach the school leaving age at 16 (which is the last Friday in June of Year 11) you are then classed as a 'young worker' and no longer need a working permit. You become an adult worker at the age of 18.
What hours can you work? (Source Direct Gov)
The rules around what hours you can work are quite complicated and differ slightly dependant on your age.
14 to 16 year olds
- during term time, you can only work for 2 hours on weekdays and Sundays
- during term time, you can only work for 5 hours on Saturdays
- during a school holiday, you can work for up to 5 hours on a week day or a Saturday
- during a school holiday, you can't work for more than 2 hours on a Sunday
- you cannot work before 7am or after 7pm on any day
- If you are 15 or 16 you are also allowed to work for up to 8 hours on Saturdays or during the school holidays.
16 to 17 year olds
As you have now left school there are fewer restrictions, you are now classed as a 'young worker' and can work in places like a shop, restaurant, fast food places like McDonalds or Burger King etc.
As a young worker you should not work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours per week. However, there are some exceptions, to find out more visit: http://www.direct.gov.uk (Working hours and young workers)
Wages
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) varies depending on how old you are but applies when you are older than the school leaving age – see above for school leaving age definition.
- £3.53 an hour for young people (16-18)
- £4.77 an hour for workers aged 18 to 21 inclusive
If you are 'compulsory school age', i.e. under 16, you are not entitled to the NMW.
For further information about the rules of employment for young people visit: http://www.direct.gov.uk (Work and careers)
