School children in employment permit

School children in employment policies

There are basic rules that govern when a young person can work during term time, over school holidays, and other breaks. Below are the times and number of hours a child can work.

Age 13-14

  • Term time: No more than 12 hours a week
  • School days: 1 hour before school Up to 2 hours after school, no more than 2 hours in total
  • Saturday & school holidays: Between 7am & 7pm, no more than 25 hours a week, no more than 5 hours a day
  • Sundays: Between 7am & 7pm, no more than 2 hours a day

Age 15-16

  • Term time: No more than 12 hours a week
  • School days: 1 hour before school, up to 2 hours after school, no more than 2 hours in total
  • Saturday & school holidays: Between 7am & 7pm, no more than 35 hours a week, no more than 8 hours a day
  • Sundays: Between 7am & 7pm, no more than 2 hours a day

Guidance on child employment