The Rights of Children Under Employment Law

Your child wants to take on a paper round; this seems simple enough and not likely to infringe any laws but you should be aware that laws are in place designed to prevent the exploitation of children.

At What Age Can My Child Work?

Your child can engage in part-time work from the age of 13 unless they are working in the areas of theatre, television or as a model when the law is slightly different. Once your son or daughter has reached 16 however, the compulsory school leaving age, he or she may apply for their National Insurance ID number and commence work on a full-time basis if such work is available to them.

Your child will need to have a performance licence – which is granted by your local authority – if they are working in the areas of theatre, television or as a model.

It is required by law that the local authority mediates with your child’s headteacher and ensures that such activities will not have a direct impact on their education.

Likewise your local authority may enlist the services of a chaperone who will ensure that your child adheres to the laws laid down and also keeps up to date with his or her school work.

Part-time Work

So your child has informed you that they wish to engage in part-time employment? If this is the case then you should be aware that there are certain stipulations laid down under employment law that must be adhered to.

During the school holidays your son or daughter may work up to thirty-five hours a week if they are 15 or over. Which consists of up to eight hours Monday to Saturday and up to two hours on Sundays between 7am and 11am. Any hours over and above this and your child – and their employer – are breaking the law.

They are not obliged or allowed under employment law to work for any longer than this.

If they are aged between 13 and 14 then they can work up to twenty-five hours a week (during school holidays) which includes up to five hours Monday to Saturday and up to two hours on Sundays.

Children are only allowed to work between the hours of 7am and 7pm. On schoool days children are only allowed to work a maxium of two hours. Children are also allowed a 1 hour break after every four hours worked.

Rates of Pay

For the hours your son or daughter have worked they should reasonably expect to receive no less than the National Minimum Wage. However there is no minimum wage for children under 16 years of age.

The national minimum wage for children age 16-17 is £3.53 per hour.

At age 18 to 21 they will receive £4.77 per hour and beyond that – 22 years of age – they will receive £5.73 per hour.

They should also be aware that if they are part-time employees and considered to be students then they will not be required by law to pay tax on their earnings.

If you wish to know more about the types of job your child can undertake then your local authority will be able to provide you with a list that it sees as being acceptable.

Also it is worth noting that if your child is undertaking work experience then he or she does not have to be granted a permit to do so by their local authority.