Child employment

How old must I be to work?

You must be aged 13 or over to work.

It is illegal to employ any child under the age of 13 (except in public performances - see our article about performance licences).

As a child, can I work for more than one employer?

You can work for as many employers as you like - but each separate job must be covered by a separate work permit.
The limits on working times/hours will apply to the total hours of all your jobs. For example, you can work for three different employers on a Sunday, but your total hours for all three jobs combined must not exceed the permitted two hour maximum.

Is there a minimum wage for children?

No - the minimum wage legislation only applies once a person has completed compulsory education - as such, it does not apply to children.

Do you have a list of people who are looking for pupils seeking part time work?

No.

The local authority is not authorised to act as an "employment bureau". It is up to parents of the child to find someone willing to offer employment. The role of the council is then to ensure that the employment remains within the confines of the law - and thus (as far as possible) safe for the child.

How do I apply for a work permit for my child?

Responsibility for obtaining the Work Permit falls to the employer. Please download the application form using the link below and give it to your employer.

Can I start work before I receive my work permit?

Yes - so long as your employer has submitted the application for the work permit, and so long as the employment is otherwise perfectly safe and legal, the employment can commence even though the local authority has not yet managed to issue the work permit.

The legal obligation upon the employer is to supply information regarding their employment of the child, and the legal obligation upon the local authority is to process the information and issue the work permit.

Do children still require a work permit once they reach 16?

Work Permits are required until the child reaches the end of Year 11 (defined in law as being the last Friday in June, in the year in which the child's 16th birthday falls). If the child has reached age 16 years before this date they still require a permit as they are still covered by legislation.

How many hours is a child allowed to work?

The rules are set out below.

During school holidays

Children must have at least two weeks in a year, during school closures, during which they shall not work.

Children employed for a continuous period of four hours or more must have a break within that period of at least one hour.

During school term time

Children employed for a continuous period of four hours or more must have a break within that period of at least one hour.

• Children's Services
  Name: Business Support Team
  Email: csbusinesssupport@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 224110
  Full details for Business Support Team