Young People And Employment

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by David Ward

June 11, 2006

Children are of compulsory school age up to the last Friday in June in the academic year of their 16 th birthday, after which is the Mandatory School Leaving Age (MSLA) and the child can apply for their National Insurance Number and may work full time.

Currently the three rates of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) are:

• The adult rate of £5.05 per hour for workers aged 22 and over. From 1 October 2006, this will increase to £5.35 per hour.
• The development rate of £4.25 per hour for workers aged 18 to 21 or for those aged 22 or over who receive accredited training for six months after they start work with a new employer. From 1 October 2006, this rate will increase to £4.45 per hour.
• A third rate of £3 per hour for workers aged 16 to 17 and who are above the age of compulsory schooling. From 1 October 2006, this rate will increase to £3.30 per hour.

The youngest age your child can work is 13 years old. There are some exceptions:

• Children involved in television, theatre, modeling or similar activities (a performance licence is required)
• Children aged 10 or over may be employed on an occasional basis by and under the direct supervision of a parent in light agricultural work or horticultural work

If a child is offered work in theatre or television, they will need to get a performance licence. Performance licences 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 modeling – will require chaperoning. Chaperones are licenced by the local authority.

Children May Not Work:

Without an employment permit issued by the education department of the local council (an employer will be committing an offence by employing without one).

• With machinery or potentially dangerous appliances
• In any industrial setting e.g. factory, industrial site etc.
• During school hours
• Before 7.00 am or after 7.00 pm
• 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 by-laws or other legislation e.g. pubs, 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, of which:

• 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, of which:

• A maximum of five hours on weekdays and Saturdays
• A maximum of two hours on Sundays

During school holidays 15 to 16 year olds may work a maximum of 35 hours per week, of which:

• A maximum of eight hours on weekdays and Saturdays
• A maximum of two hours on Sunday

For further information please contact Pembroke & District CAB Office on: 01646 683805