Children in the UK can start working on a full-time basis when they have reached the minimum school leaving age which is 16 years of age. However, children who are still in school can start working on a part-time basis as young as 13 years of age. A number of employment laws and restrictions apply to school going, children:
General Employment Restrictions
Children are not allowed to work during school hours or between 7 am and 7 pm. They are also not allowed to work for one hour before school and for no longer than 4 hours at a time without receiving a break.
Restrictions also apply to where a child may not work and employment on industrial sites, pubs, betting shops or any environment that could be considered hazardous or pose risks to their health is prohibited.
Employers are required to provide child employees with a minimum 2-week break during their official school holidays for every year of employment.
Employment Restrictions During School Terms
Child employees may not work for more than 12 hours a week. On school days and Sundays, they may only work a maximum of 2 hours per day. On Saturdays, they may work up to 5 hours a day if they are 13 or 14 years old and 8 hours for 15 and 16-year-olds.
Employment Restrictions During Holidays For 13 And 14-Year-Olds
Children may not work more than 25 hours per week. They may only work 2 hours on a Sunday and no more than 5 hours on weekdays and Saturdays.
Employment Restrictions During Holidays For 15 And 16-Year-Olds
Children may not work more than 35 hours a week. This includes a maximum of 2 hours on Sundays and 8 hours on weekdays and Saturdays.
Restrictions to employing children who have reached the minimum school leaving age (which is generally 16 years depending on a number of factors) on a full-time basis also apply.
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