Would your teenager like a job?

9:00am - 19 April 2024
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Getting a part-time job can be great experience for a young person – helping them meet new people, gain employability skills and earn some of their own money.

A part-time job can also look good on a CV for when they’re applying for future jobs or to colleges or university.

April is National Child Employment Month so we’re highlighting the support and safeguarding we can offer children and young people as they take this first step into the job market.

It is illegal for children under 13 to work (unless it’s for entertainment or performance projects) but many young people aged between 13 and 16 could benefit from a part-time job.

This might involve light work in cafés, hairdressers, hotels or offices. 

A child employment work permit is needed, which is the employer’s responsibility to apply for. Permits are free and the application doesn’t take long to complete.

Without this permit, the employer is breaking the law and might not be insured for accidents involving the child.

Every application we receive is checked to ensure the proposed employer is aware of regulations, their legal responsibility, and that they’ve completed risk assessments.

We set byelaws to regulate the type of work young people can do, the number of hours they’re allowed to work, and to ensure the work doesn’t interfere with wellbeing or education.

Find out more on our website.