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Adolescence is the time when youngsters begin to seek real independence and financial freedom through part-time or casual employment.
However, navigating the rules and regulations governing teenage employment in the UK can be a barrier for both parents and young workers.
It’s not exactly simple!
This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on the legal framework surrounding employment for under-18s, while also exploring the potential benefits and drawbacks of teenagers entering the workforce.
In the United Kingdom, the minimum age for part-time employment is 13 years old. However, this rule comes with several caveats I will explain in the next section.
There are special rules for children engaged in industries such as television, theatre, or modelling. Kids working in these areas require a special performance licence to work legally, but they can work from any age – even as babies.
Once a child reaches the minimum school-leaving age, typically 16 years old, they can commence full-time employment, subject to a maximum of 40 hours per week. However, everyone must remain in education or some sort of training until they are 18 years old, even if they work as well.
Upon turning 16, employers may need to enroll young workers in the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system if their earnings exceed specific thresholds. In 2024 the threshold was £123 or more a week, but this will change as time goes on.
Furthermore, once an individual reaches 18, they are subject to the same employment rights and regulations as adult workers.
While employment opportunities exist for teenagers, several restrictions are in place to ensure their well-being and prioritize their education.
Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to work in environments such as factories or industrial sites, except for approved work experience programs. Additionally, they cannot be employed during school hours or before 7 AM or after 7 PM, unless local bylaws allow for specific exceptions.
Strict rules govern the maximum number of working hours for children during term time and school holidays. During term time, children can work a maximum of 12 hours per week, with a cap of 2 hours on school days and Sundays, and a maximum of 5 hours on Saturdays for 13 to 14-year-olds or 8 hours for those aged 15 to 16.
During school holidays, 13 to 14-year-olds can work up to 25 hours per week, with a daily limit of 5 hours on weekdays and Saturdays, and 2 hours on Sundays. For 15 to 16-year-olds, the maximum weekly hours increase to 35, with a daily cap of 8 hours on weekdays and Saturdays, and 2 hours on Sundays.
Local bylaws also play a crucial role in regulating the types of work children can undertake. Certain jobs may be prohibited for those under the minimum school-leaving age, and additional restrictions on working hours, conditions, and employment types may apply. Consult with the local council’s education department or education welfare service for specific guidelines in your area.
The well-being of young workers is a top priority, and employers must adhere to stringent health and safety regulations when employing individuals under the age of 18.
Children cannot be employed in work that exceeds their physical or psychological capabilities, exposes them to harmful substances or radiation, or poses risks due to their lack of experience or training.
Employers are legally obligated to conduct a separate health and safety assessment for employees under 18, taking into account their age and lack of experience.
This assessment must be shared with the parents or guardians of children under 16, highlighting any identified risks and measures implemented to ensure their safety at work.
While teenagers can work in restaurants, dining rooms, and even pubs, serving alcohol comes with specific guidelines.
Children aged 16 or 17 are permitted to sell or serve alcohol in a restaurant without supervision, provided it is consumed with a table meal and served in a designated dining area.
However, when working behind a bar, each individual sale of alcohol by an under-18 employee must be explicitly approved by a responsible person, such as the premises licence holder, the designated premises supervisor, or an authorized adult aged 18 or above.
For this reason, pubs won’t usually hire under-18s other than for kitchen duties or glass collecting.
Again, you should check with local authorities regarding any additional bylaws that may restrict or prohibit individuals under 18 from selling alcohol, particularly if it’s not in a sealed container, i.e from a pump rather than in a sealed bottle.
While there is no minimum wage requirement for children under the age of 16, those aged 16 and 17 are entitled to at least £6.40 per hour as of 2024.
Once they hit 18, teenagers should be paid at least the National Minimum Wage of £8.60 per hour.
A lot of people confuse this National Living Wage with the NMW. The NLW of £11.44 only comes into force once someone turns 21.
Regardless of their age, if your child’s earnings exceed £123 per week or £533 per month, employers must register them as employees and operate PAYE (Pay As You Earn) for tax and National Insurance purposes.
They can still earn the tax-free allowance of £12,570 before paying tax the same as everyone else.
The decision to pursue employment during the teenage years is a multifaceted one, with both potential benefits and drawbacks to consider.
On one hand, a part-time job can provide valuable opportunities for skill development, independence, and financial responsibility. Young workers can hone essential abilities such as problem-solving, teamwork, punctuality, and communication, all of which are invaluable assets in their future professional endeavors.
Additionally, earning an income can instill a sense of financial autonomy and teach teenagers the value of budgeting and saving. However, it’s crucial for parents and teenagers to establish clear boundaries and guidelines regarding the management and allocation of earned income, including potential contributions to household expenses or savings goals.
On the other hand, the demands of employment can potentially interfere with academic performance, extracurricular activities, and overall well-being if not managed carefully. Striking a balance between work commitments, school responsibilities, and personal life is essential to avoid burnout or compromised academic achievement.
Parents and guardians should closely monitor their teenager’s workload, sleep patterns, and overall well-being, ensuring that employment does not come at the cost of their health or education.
Personally, I think jobs are great for teenagers. There are far more benefits in terms of their development than drawbacks. It just needs to be managed properly.
Children and the Law