Children in Employment
This page includes information regarding Children in Employment.
Employing school age children
Children in Employment
Until children reach the Mandatory School Leaving Age, they can only work a certain number of hours per week and only do certain jobs.
Compulsory school age
Children are of compulsory school age up to the last Friday in June in the academic year of their 16th birthday. After this they have reached the Mandatory School Leaving Age and can apply for a National Insurance Number and work full time.
The youngest age a child can work part-time, with a number of restrictions, is 13 years old, with the exception of children involved in:
• television
• theatre
• modelling
• similar activities
If a child is offered work in these areas, they will need to get a performance licence.
Performance licenses are issued by the local authority. Before granting a licence the local authority will liaise with the head teacher of the child's school to ensure that the child's education will not suffer should that licence be granted.
Chaperoning
A child taking part in a performance - which can include TV, film, theatre, sporting activities or modelling - will require chaperoning.
Special restrictions apply to children working in the performing arts.
Chaperones can be licensed to act in the place of the child performer's parents, to look after their interests whilst they are working / performing by the local authority. The role of the chaperone is strictly regulated and all existing and potential chaperones must be aware of, and comply with, the legal requirements.
To apply to be an 'Approved Chaperone' please phone or email Buckinghamshire County Council Child Employment with your name, address and telephone number and a chaperone pack will be sent to you:
Phone 01296 383512 or 01296 382056 or Email: childemployment@buckscc.gov.uk
Employers must infom the education department of their local authority that they have employed a school aged child. If satisfied with the arrangements, the council will issue the child with a employment permit. A child is not insured without one.
Children do not need a permit for any work experience that his / her school arranges.
All existing and potential employers must be aware of, and comply with, the restrictions in employing school age children.
Children may not work:
• without an employment permit
• in any industrial setting such as a factory or industrial site
• during school hours
• before 7.00am or after 7.00pm
• for more than one hour before school
• for more than four hours without taking a break of at least one hour
• in any occupations prohibited by local byelaws or other legislation, such as pubs and betting shops
• in any work that may be harmful to their health, well being or education
• without having a two week break from any work during the school holidays in each calendar year
Term time
During term time children may work a maximum of 12 hours per week. This includes:
• a maximum of two hours on school days and Sundays
• a maximum of five hours on Saturdays for 13 to 14 year olds, or eight hours for 15 to 16 year olds School Holidays During school holidays, 13 to 14 year olds may work a maximum of 25 hours per week.
This includes:
• a maximum of five hours on weekdays and Saturdays
• a maximum of two hours on Sunday During school holidays 15 to 16 year olds may work a maximum of 35 hours per week.
This includes:
• a maximum of eight hours on weekdays and Saturdays
• a maximum of two hours on Sunday
You can obtain more information from Buckinghamshire County Council by calling 0845 3708090 or email childemployment@buckscc.gov.uk
Further information can be found on Buckinghamshire County Council's Website:
Other useful websites / pages:
Criminal Records Bureau
http://www.crb.homeoffice.gov.uk/
Buckinghamshire County Council pages:
Child Employment Forms and Leaflets
Directgov
Advice Bureau
Children in Employment
Downloads
