Advice for Employers on Child Employment

General Information

• The law states that you are responsible for applying for a work permit for any child of compulsory school age. You can apply for this by downloading the application form for employment permit
• You must have Public and Employers Liability Insurance
• You must prepare a risk assessment for each employee's set of duties and a copy of this must be given to the parent/carer at the time they sign the application form, giving their permission for the child to be employed
• You must ensure that you adequately train the child for the job and make them aware of any risks which may be involved.
• You must supply the child with any necessary safety equipment and clothing
• You must not ask any child to undertake work which has not previously been agreed with the Child Employment Office supplying the work permit
• You must be mindful of the child's welfare at all times whilst in your employ - you should encourage children to let you know if there is anything that is causing them concern

Permitted Types of Employment

• 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

• 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 more then 3 meters above the ground
• Work involving exposure to adult material (video shop)
• Any work which may be described as dangerous