School children can get a part-time job from the age of thirteen. They can only be employed in jobs which don't affect their health and safety or interfere with their education. This is separate to children employed in television, modelling or theatre.
School children can be employed in jobs such as:
- delivering newspapers and leaflets
- working in a shop, including stacking shelves
- working in an office
- hairdressing
- working in a café or restaurant, but not in the kitchen
- working in a hotel or other places offering accommodation.
An employer will need to get a permit for the young person, which is free of charge.
Apply
An employer can be issued with a permit for a school aged child if certain conditions are met
Consent from the parent or carer is necessary.
We may also seek confirmation from the school medical officer to confirm that the work will not harm the child or their education.
Child employees should carry their permits while at work.
Body of Persons Approval (BOPA)
Section 37(3)(b) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1963 states that:
A licence is not required for a performance given under arrangements made by "a body of persons" approved by the local authority where the performance is taking place, or in some exceptional circumstances by the Secretary of State.
Exemptions
Application for an exemption from licensing procedures
A child does not need an individual performance licence if they are:
- covered by a Body of Persons Approval
- have not performed for more than 4 days in any 6-month period; and
- do not need to take time-off school