Advice for Employers

• The Law states that you are responsible for applying for a work permit for any child of compulsory school age.  Application forms available either by telephoning 01562 757651 \ 757652, applying in writing to Worcestershire County Council, Child Employment Section, County Buildings, Bewdley Road, Kidderminster, DY11 6RQ or printing off a copy of the application form.  (77.96 KB)
• You must have Public Liability Insurance.
• You must prepare a risk assessment for each employees 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 Licensing 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 Working Hours:

• During term-time a child may only work a total of 12 hours in any 7 days.
• No child of compulsory school age may commence work before 07:00  (this applies to newspaper rounds – a child may not collect newspapers before 07:00).  
• No child of compulsory school age is permitted to work after 19:00
• No child of compulsory school age is permitted to work more than 2 hours on Sundays and this must be between 07:00 and 19:00.
• The above hours apply even during school holidays.
• At 13/14 years of age, during school holidays, a child may work up to 25 hours in any 7 days, but not more than 5 hours on any one day.
• At 15/16 years of age, during school holidays, a child may work up to 35 hours in any 7 days, but not more than 8 hours on any one day.
• If a child works continuously for 4 hours they must have a 1 hour break for rest and relaxation.
  

Permitted Types of Employment: (this list is not exhaustive)

• 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: (this list is not exhaustive)

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

Downloads

• Download an application form  (77.96 KB)
• View the Byelaws  (66.28 KB)
• View the working time regulations  (20.42 KB)
• View the Information on child employment leaflet  (125.95 KB)