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
Updated:15/04/2010Did 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.
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