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The whole area of child employment is under review and new guidelines are being introduced to bring UK legislation in line with EU recommendations. In the future, there may be more restrictions introduced about the type of employment you can do and the hours that you can work.
Do you have a part-time job?
Many of you would answer yes. You probably enjoy having a job. It gives you some independence and increases your spending power. Parents might encourage you to have a small part-time job if it fits in with your school work because they feel it gives you a sense of responsibility and some independence. Some employers set their own lower age limit for employment; in many cases this is 15 or 16.
Currently, the official minimum age for paid and unpaid employment is 14. Some employers may set their own lower age limit for a particular job.
What sort of job do you do?
Young people are involved in all types of employment. Paper rounds are popular but you may find part-time work in hairdressing, in shops, on farms, or on milk rounds!
Local byelaws specify what you can't do and where you can't work. Examples of places include cinemas, dance halls or discos and commercial kitchens. Jobs that you cannot do include collecting rags or rubbish, and window cleaning if it involves cleaning upstairs windows.
Is the job difficult?
Many of you might say that you work hard but few would admit to the job being difficult, mainly because you might lose it if your parents or employers feel you can't manage. However, most of the jobs that young people do involve light work.
You are not allowed to be involved in heavy work or work that may damage your health. In addition, the work must not affect your education.
How many hours do you work?
This is a hard one. Most young people have certain hours when they work - perhaps all day Saturday or an hour or two every day.
Hours permissible by law:
- 13-15 year olds: maximum 25 hours per week
- 15-school leaving age: maximum 35 hours per week
School days: 1 hour between 7am and 8.30am; 1 hour between the end of school and 7pm or 2 hours between the end of school and 7pm
Saturday:
13-15 years: no more than 5 hours between 7am and 7pm
15-school leaving; no more than 8 hours between 7am and 7pm
Sunday: no more than 2 hours
Do you have a work contract?
This is one of the most important questions. If you haven't got a work contract you should get one from your local education welfare department. Your parents and employer both need to sign it. It gives details of your employer, what your work involves and how many hours you will be working. It gives your employer details about you and any medical details that are relevant. This protects you both.
If you have any queries about youth employment, contact the Welfare Department at your local Education Office.
