Child Employment Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

1. Do children in employment need a certain amount of time off?
2. Must a child of compulsory school age must have a work permit?
3. Does a child of compulsory school age require a work permit when undertaking work experience?
4. How much are the employment permits?
5. Is there a penalty for not registering my child under the employment permit?
6. Is there a minimum wage for children of compulsory school age?
7. There is no minimum wage for children of compulsory school age.
8. What is the Minimum age that a child can be employed?

Answers

1. Q. Do children in employment need a certain amount of time off?
   A. When children work for more the 4 hours in a day they must have a 1 hour break for rest and relaxation. As well as a limit of working no more than 5 hours in one day if they are 13/14 years old and work no more the 8 hours if they are 15/16 years old.
   
   For more information on the allowed working hours in child employment you can download the Working time regulations document.
   
   
2. Q. Must a child of compulsory school age must have a work permit?
   A. Yes. A child must have a work permit for every employment (if they have two jobs they will need two separate work permits).
   
   
3. Q. Does a child of compulsory school age require a work permit when undertaking work experience?
   A. No. When a child is on work experience they are either overseen by the High School they attend or a Youth Support Agency, such as Connexions.
   
   
4. Q. How much are the employment permits?
   A. The employment permits are free of charge.
   
   
5. Q. Is there a penalty for not registering my child under the employment permit?
   A. There are penalties and fines for employers (and in some cases parents) who do not register children of compulsory school age as determined by Section 18 of the Children and Your Persons Act 1933, to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the Standard Scale (£1000) for each offence, and also The Worcestershire County Council byelaws.
   
   
6. Q. Is there a minimum wage for children of compulsory school age?
   A. There is no minimum wage for children of compulsory school age.
   
   
7. Q. What is the Minimum age that a child can be employed?
   A. The minimum age that a child is allowed to work is 13. Any child under the age of 13 and in employment are breaking the law.