Work for under -18s

Under 18 and out of cash? You've got plenty of job options, but there are certain laws in place that you need to get to grips with before you start working.

"Working isn't just a way to make money."

Why are there different rules for under-18s?

There are strict regulations regarding the hours, types of jobs and the minimum legal age. These exist to protect you from danger, exploitation, and to ensure that your health and wellbeing is never compromised.

What's the point of me working?

Working isn't just a way to make money; it gives you skills that will look great on your CV and experiences you can draw upon when you apply for jobs later on. Remember that skills you pick up from waiting tables or shelf-stacking, such as communication skills, numeracy skills and decision making, are needed in all jobs.

OK, I'm convinced – so when can I work?

The younger you are, the fewer hours you can work. From 13 years until 'school-leaving age' you can't work:

Before 7am or after 7pm
During school hours on any school day
For more than two hours on a school weekday
For more than 12 hours in any school week
For more than eight hours on Saturdays and holidays (or two hours on Sundays)
For more than 35 hours a week during the holidays

You will also need to take:

A one-hour break if you work for more than four hours a day
Two weeks' holiday during your school vacations

What if I'm over 16?

The rules are slightly different for people aged 16–17, or above school-leaving age.

You must not work more than:

Eight hours a day
Forty hours a week

And you are entitled to:

Twelve hours' rest between each working day
Two rest days per working week
A 30-minute rest break when you work for longer than four-and-a-half hours

Is there anything else I need to know?

If you continue in education after school-leaving age your local education authority can restrict the type of work and number of hours you do
You're normally not allowed to work between 10pm and 6am, although there are some exceptions
If you are allowed to work at night your health and ability to work must be assessed regularly

What jobs can I do?

There are all sorts of jobs on offer, these include:

Babysitting
Cleaning
Dog walking
Hairdressing
Hotel work
Office work
Retail work
Waiting

What jobs can't I do?

Bar work: if you're 16 or 17, you can't work when alcohol is being sold or drunk, unless your work is part of an approved training scheme.
Armed forces: you'll need permission from both parents if you're under 18.
Professional acting, modelling and sport: if you're under school-leaving age, you can only do paid acting, modelling or professional sports with a licence from your local authority.

What can I earn?

You can expect to get at least the Minimum Wage.For 16- to 17-year-olds, the rate is £3.53 per hour – some employers will pay more, and there is no set rate for under-16s.

Do laws change according to where I live?

If you live outside England the rules may be slightly different, so check out Advice Guide's information on Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Children's Law Centre also has some useful advice if you live in Northern Ireland.

Your local authority (council) may also have some extra rules, called by-laws, about the employment of children and young people. Check these out by contacting your council.

By Sam Pope

Did you know?

It's illegal to employ anyone under the age of 13.

At 14 you can only work for two hours on a school day, but up to five on Saturdays.

At 16 you can work full-time if you've chosen to leave education.

Jargon Buster

School-leaving age:: The last Friday in June in the school year in which you turn 16.

Check out your local newspaper and websites for job opportunities.
If you can't find any work advertised, use your initiative. Ask your friends what they do to earn money, approach local shops and companies and offer your services, and ask relatives and friends' parents if they need any extra help.
The rules are quite complex, but once you find a job your employer should be responsible for making sure you are working within the laws for your age. If you don't think they are following these rules, print off this article and discuss it with them in person, or with a parent or carer.
Read more out your employment rights on Advice Guide.
Find out what you can do at different ages by reading TheSite.org's guide.

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