Advice for Parents

• Always ensure that if your child works they are in possession of a work permit – if your child does not have a work permit your child is illegally employed and is not covered by the employers insurance.
• Always ask to see a copy of the risk assessment so that you are fully aware of the duties your child will be undertaking to ensure that your child’s safety and welfare have been considered.  If you have any queries make sure you ask the employer, if you are still concerned contact the Licensing Office to discuss the matter.  Our advice is free.
• If your child is asked to work hours in excess of those agreed notify Children's Services – remember your child will not be insured if he/she works outside of the times granted by the Licensing Office.  Excessive working hours can have a detrimental effect on your child’s educational progress.
• If you feel your child is carrying out duties outside of those agreed or your have concerns about their safety or welfare at their place of employment notify the Licensing Office.
• As the parent/carer you should ensure that your child does not work without a work permit and if the Licensing Office notify you that the work permit has been revoked, you will be informed of the reason, you as well as the employer could be held responsible if you allowed your child to continue to work.
• If your child fails to attend school on a regular basis a work permit will not be issued and your child will be unable to undertake part-time work.

Permitted Working Hours:

• During term-time a child may only work a total of 12 hours in any 7 days.
• No child of compulsory school age may commence work before 07:00  (this applies to newspaper rounds – a child may not collect newspapers before 07:00).  
• No child of compulsory school age is permitted to work after 19:00
• No child of compulsory school age is permitted to work more than 2 hours on Sundays and this must be between 07:00 and 19:00.
• The above hours apply even during school holidays.
• At 13/14 years of age, during school holidays, a child may work up to 25 hours in any 7 days, but not more than 5 hours on any one day.
• At 15/16 years of age, during school holidays, a child may work up to 35 hours in any 7 days, but not more than 8 hours on any one day.
• If a child works continuously for 4 hours they must have a 1 hour break for rest and relaxation.

Permitted Types of Employment: (this list is not exhaustive)

• Delivering newspapers/leaflets (but no child must collect money).
• Shop assistant.
• Waitering in a café/restaurant (subject to certain conditions)
• Office clerical work (provided not within the confines of a factory)
• Shampooing, sweeping up in a hairdressers

Prohibited Types of Employment: (this list is not exhaustive)

• In a commercial kitchen (fish and chip shop)
• In a Factory
• Delivering Milk
• Telephone Sales
• Preparation of Food
• In the personal care of residents of any residential care or nursing home
• The sale of intoxicating liquor, medicines, etc.
• A fairground or similar place of public amusement
• Collecting or sorting of rags or refuse
• Cleaning windows if more than 3 metres above the ground
• Work involving exposure to adult material (video shop)
• Any work which may be described as dangerous

Downloads

• Download an application form  (77.96 KB)
• View the Byelaws  (66.28 KB)
• View the working time regulations  (20.42 KB)
• View the Information on child employment leaflet  (125.95 KB)