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Taking on a young worker to cover weekend hours....
Are you looking to employ someone to cover those weekend shifts and think that this would suit a young worker….
Did you know that you need to apply for a work permit from your local authority if you intend to employ a child of school age?
What else do you need to consider when taking on a young worker?
- Most local councils say that businesses intending to employ school-aged children must apply for a child employment permit before they can be employed.
- Ensure you have Public and Employers Liability Insurance.
- Prepare a risk assessment for the duties and give a copy to the parent/carer at the time they provide their permission for the child to be employed.
- Ensure that you train the child for the job and make them aware of any risks which may be involved.
- 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 Child Employment Office supplying the work permit.
- You must ensure the child's welfare at all times whilst in your employment and encourage children to let you know if there is anything that is causing them concern.
There are several restrictions on when and where children are allowed to work.
Children are not allowed to work:
- without an employment permit issued by the education department of the local council, if this is required by local bylaws
- in places like a factory or industrial site (unless as part of work experience)
- during school hours
- before 7am or after 7pm
- for more than one hour before school (unless local bylaws allow it)
- for more than 4 hours without taking a break of at least 1 hour
- in any work that may be harmful to their health, well-being or education
- without having a 2-week break from any work during the school holidays in each calendar year.
There are also special rules which only apply during term times and school holiday times.
Term time rules
During term time children can only work a maximum of 12 hours a week. This includes:
- a maximum of 2 hours on school days and Sundays
- a maximum of 5 hours on Saturdays for 13 to 14-year-olds, or 8 hours for 15 to 16-year-olds
School holiday rules
During school holidays 13 to 14-year-olds are only allowed to work a maximum of 25 hours a week. This includes:
- a maximum of 5 hours on weekdays and Saturdays
- a maximum of 2 hours on Sunday
During school holidays 15 to 16-year-olds can only work a maximum of 35 hours a week. This includes:
- a maximum of 8 hours on weekdays and Saturdays
- a maximum of 2 hours on Sunday
There is a lot to consider when taking on a young worker, if you have more questions reach out on 01905 900080.
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Are you looking to employ someone to cover those weekend shifts and think that this would suit a young worker…. Did you know that you need to apply for a work permit from your local authority if you intend to employ a child of school age?
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