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Children in Full Time Work.

A Child can only be employed full time once they have reached the school leaving age, be aware that in England you will have other obligations until you are 18, these can be found on the government web site https://www.gov.uk/know-when-you-can-leave-school
Once a child has reached the minimum school leaving age they can work up to 40 hours per week.

Wages.

Under 16

If the person is defined as School Aged then they are not covered under the National Minimum Wage and if under, 16 will not pay National Insurance, an employer will only need to include a person of school age on their payroll if their income has exceeded their personal allowance.

Between the ages of 16-17

The employee is entitled to £3.87 per hour, and as an employer you will need to report and record their pay and undertake any PAYE tasks if they earn over £112 per week.

When can a child work?

The government have put in a number of restrictions to protect children and to ensure their priority is their Education. A child cannot be employed-

- during school hours
- for more than an hour before school (unless permitted by bylaws)
- For more than 4 hours without taking a break for an hour
- In a number of jobs including pubs and betting shops (for example serving alcohol) and others covered under local bylaws.
- in any tasks that can cause them harm.
- without a 2 week break from employment during school holidays in any year.
- in a factory or similar.
- before 7am and after 7pm


Rules pertaining to term time employment.
Special rules apply to protect children during term time -

- Cannot exceed 2 hours employment on a school day or on Sundays.
- Cannot exceed 5 hours on a Saturday or 8 hours if 15-16 years of age.

Rules pertaining to School Holiday Employment.
Special rules apply to protect children during School Holidays -

13-14 year olds

- Cannot exceed 25 hours employment a week
- Cannot exceed 5 hours employment on weekday and Saturdays
- Cannot exceed 2 hours employment on a Sunday.

15-16 year olds

- Cannot exceed 35 hours employment a week
- Cannot exceed 8 hours employment on weekday and Saturdays
- Cannot exceed 2 hours employment on a Sunday.

Bylaws and Local restrictions, and permits.

This article mentions Bylaws and other considerations, and laws that you may need to follow, we would always recommend that you contact your local councils to ensure you comply with all employment laws for children, failure to do so may jeopardise and employers insurance and open the employer up to prosecution.


When can a child work?
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