Children in Full Time Work.

Child Employment Law

There are strict rules about when children can work, the hours they can work and the types of work they are allowed to do. These rules are designed to protect children's health, safety, welfare and education.

A child can only start full-time work once they have reached the minimum school leaving age. After that, they can work up to 40 hours per week. In England, young people must usually remain in education or training until they are 18, even after they have reached school-leaving age.

Minimum School Leaving Age

The minimum school leaving age depends on where the child lives in the UK. In England, a young person can leave school on the last Friday in June if they will be 16 by the end of the summer holidays, but they must usually stay in education, training or an apprenticeship until they are 18.

Different rules may apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so employers and parents should check the rules that apply before agreeing to work arrangements.

Pay and Minimum Wage

Children who are still of compulsory school age are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage. Once a young person is over compulsory school age and is 16 or 17, they may be entitled to the National Minimum Wage for their age group.

From April 2026, the National Minimum Wage rate for workers aged 16 to 17 is £8.00 per hour. Minimum wage rates usually change each April, so employers should check the current rate before setting pay.

Tax, National Insurance and Payroll

Young workers may need to be included on the payroll depending on their earnings and circumstances. Employers should keep proper pay records and comply with PAYE requirements where they apply.

Children under 16 do not usually pay National Insurance. However, tax and payroll rules can still be relevant where earnings exceed the personal allowance or where HMRC reporting duties apply.

General Restrictions on Child Employment

Children cannot usually be employed during school hours, before 7 am or after 7 pm, for more than one hour before school unless local byelaws allow it, or for more than 4 hours without a break of at least one hour.

Children must also have at least 2 consecutive weeks free from work during school holidays each year. They must not be employed in work that may harm their health, safety, development or education.

Jobs Children Cannot Do

Children are not allowed to work in certain jobs. This can include work in factories or industrial sites, betting shops, work involving alcohol, and work prohibited by local authority byelaws.

Local councils can set additional rules about the types of work children may do, permits, permitted hours and local restrictions. Employers should check with the local council before employing a child.

Term Time Working Hours

During term time, children can usually work up to 12 hours per week. This includes a maximum of 2 hours on a school day and a maximum of 2 hours on a Sunday.

On Saturdays during term time, 13 to 14 year-olds can usually work up to 5 hours, while 15 to 16 year-olds can usually work up to 8 hours.

School Holiday Working Hours

During school holidays, 13-to 14-year-olds can usually work up to 25 hours per week. This includes a maximum of 5 hours on weekdays and Saturdays, and 2 hours on Sundays.

During school holidays, 15-to 16-year-olds can usually work up to 35 hours per week. This includes a maximum of 8 hours on weekdays and Saturdays, and 2 hours on Sundays.

Child Employment Permits and Local Rules

Many local authorities require a child employment permit before a child can legally work. The rules can vary by council, and local byelaws may restrict the type of work, hours and conditions.

Employers should contact the local council before employing a child. Failure to follow child employment rules may invalidate insurance, put the child at risk and expose the employer to enforcement action or prosecution.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Employers have legal duties to protect young workers and children from harm. This includes assessing risks, ensuring the work is suitable, providing supervision, and ensuring the work does not interfere with education.

Extra care is needed because children and young workers may be less aware of workplace risks and may need clearer instruction and supervision.

Find an Employment Solicitor

To find a solicitor who may be able to help with child employment rules, young worker rights, pay, permits or employment law, use the search facility, select Employment Law and enter your location.