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.

  Term time School days Saturday & school holidays Sundays
Age 13-14 No more than 12 hours a week

1 hour before school
Up to 2 hours after school
No more than 2 hours in total

Between 7am & 7pm
No more than 25 hours a week
No more than 5 hours a day

Between 7am & 7pm
No more than 2 hours a day

         
Age 15-16 No more than 12 hours a week

1 hour before school
Up to 2 hours after school
No more than 2 hours in total

Between 7am & 7pm
No more than 35 hours a week
No more than 8 hours a day

Between 7am & 7pm
No more than 2 hours a day

Guidance on child employment