Employing young people under 16
The official school leaving date is always the last Friday in June. Young people cannot legally work full-time until after this date. There is no longer an Easter leaving date. Young people who are not taking GCSEs are not legally available for full-time work until the last Friday in June.
From May onwards, young people will be taking their GCSEs and will probably be on study leave. During this time they may work a few hours, but this must be in line with The Children (Protection at Work) Regulations 1998 which states:
- Under 13 years old
Not allowed to work
- 13 years old
Light work in agriculture or horticulture, newspaper delivery, shops, hairdressers, cafes, stables, kennels and office work.
- 14 years old and over
Light work which is not harmful to their safety, health and development and does not interfere with their school day.
Employing a young person under the official school leaving age:
Any young person who is of compulsory school age must have a work permit, which is issued by their local council. It is up to the employer to apply for the permit within a week of the young person starting work.
To apply for a licence and for further information please contact:
