Information about child work permits
Part time working for children 13 – 16
Information for children, employers and parents/carers
In Newham we welcome employers giving our school aged children and young people an opportunity to have a part-time or holiday job as these work can:
- Be a great experience for the child;
- Support their personal development;
- Encourage independence;
- Promote a strong work ethic, at an early age;
- Provide pocket money.
However to ensure they are working in a safe environment and there is no adverse impact on their school attendance or education there are UK laws and local bye-laws in place which control the type of work children and young people can do and the hours they can work.
The employer, even it is a family business, has a legal responsibility to ensure they have requested a child work permit for each child they employ. Failure to do so may result in a £1000 fine.
Remember, if a child is working without a permit the child may not be covered by the employer's insurance.
A work permit is needed whether the child is paid for the work or not and even if they are working in a family business.
Is there a difference between working and performing?
Yes, the age restrictions are different for children to work and perform. This information is about children working, not those performing in areas like television, film, modelling and theatre. For performance licences see our information on Performance licences.
Are there any age restrictions on school aged children working?
Yes, only children who are 13, 14, 15 or 16 years old can work – even if the job is unpaid. This does not include jobs done in their home to earn pocket money.
Does a child need a permit to work?
Yes, all children aged 13 to 16 need a permit issued by local authority child employment officers to work.
Does a child need a work permit if they have received their National Insurance Number?
Yes, the National Insurance Number cannot be used instead of a work permit.
Does a child need a permit to carry out voluntary work including community jobs carried out by organisations such as Scouts and Guides?
No, volunteering via an organisation does not require a work permit. Note: volunteering is proving help or a service to a person or an organisation for no financial gain.
What are the main restrictions on children aged 13 -16 are not permitted to work?
There are several restrictions on when and where children are allowed to work.
Children are not allowed to work:
- Without a child work (employment) permit issued by the education department of the local council.
- In places like a factory or industrial site (unless as part of work experience)
- During school hours
- Before 7am or after 7pm
- For more than one hour before school (unless local bylaws allow it)
- For more than 4 hours without taking a break of at least 1 hour
- In any work that may be harmful to their health, well-being or education
- Without having a 2-week break from any work during the school holidays in each calendar year
Are permits required if the child is not being paid?
Yes, the permit is to protect a child’s wellbeing.
Is child work permit required for weekend and in the school holidays?
Yes, work permits are required to work any day of the week even in the school holidays.
Are there limitations on the number of hours a child can work?
Yes, children can only start full-time work once they’ve reached the minimum school leaving age - they can then work up to a maximum of 40 hours a week.
- Term time rules
During term time children can only work a maximum of 12 hours a week. This includes:
School days and Sundays - maximum of 2 hours.
Saturdays - maximum of 5 hours on Saturdays for 13 to 14-year-olds, or 8 hours for 15 to 16 year olds.
- School holiday rules
During school holidays 13 to 14-year-olds are only allowed to work a maximum of 25 hours a week. This includes:
Weekdays and Saturdays - maximum of 5 hours.
Sundays - maximum of 2 hours.
During school holidays 15 to 16-year-olds can only work a maximum of 35 hours a week. This includes:
Weekdays and Saturday - maximum of 8 hours.
Sunday - maximum of 2 hours.
Who is responsible for requesting a permit for a child to work?
The employer must request a permit to employ a child.
How is a permit requested?
The employer must apply for a work permit for the child, from the local authority where the employment will be based.
What is the application process in Newham?
The employer must complete the initial application form Child Work Permit Request - Employers, if satisfactory local authority officers will send the child's parent/carer the second stage part of the application for their completion and approval. Upon receipt of approval from the parent/carer the final element of the application is sent to the child's school. If all three elements of the application meet Newham's requirements the work permit will be issued.
All parties receive a communication with detail of the outcome of the application and next steps.
How will the child receive the permit?
If the child attends a school in Newham, their permit will be sent to their school for collection by the child. A communication will be sent to the childs school.
Is there a penalty for employing a child without a permit?
Yes as it is a legal requirement for a child to have a permit to work. If an employer fails to obtain a work permit for a child that they employ, they may be fined up to £1,000
- Child work permit online application form
- How the process works
How to apply for a child work permit
For children over the age of 13, a work permit must be obtained from the London Borough of Newham irrespective as to whether the work is paid or unpaid.
It is illegal to employ a child under the age of 13. Unless they are taking part in a paid performance. Where this applies you will need to complete the Child Performance Licence Application.
The law requires applications for child work permits are made to the local authority where the workplace is located.
Fines and penalties: If you fail to obtain a work permit for a child you employ, you may be fined up to £1000.
