The world of work for 16- and 17-year-olds

In this guide:

Introduction

STOP

The information below does NOT apply if:

  1. you’re a domestic servant in a private household;
  2. you work in the Armed Forces;
  3. there’s an emergency.

Whether you’re new to the world of work or an “old hat” you’ve probably got tonnes of questions you’d like answering so that you’re clear about your rights.

What can I expect before I start work?

Before you start, your employer has to figure out if there will be any dangers to your health or safety in the workplace. The fancy term for this is a “risk assessment.”

How do I know I’ll be safe at work?

Your health, safety and wellbeing are a top priority. Alarm bells should start ringing if you’re asked to work in an environment where:

  • your health is put at risk by extreme cold, heat, noise or vibration.
  • you may be involved in harmful exposure to toxic products, cancer causing chemicals or anything that might chronically affect your health.
  • you may be involved in harmful exposure to radiation.
  • you have to carry out tasks which are beyond your physical or mental ability.
  • you’re unable to recognise or avoid accidents because of your lack of training, experience or attention to safety.

You’re allowed to refuse to work in any of the above situations

WATCH OUT

  • If you’re over school leaving age (16); AND
  • the work you’re doing is needed for your training; AND
  • you’re going to be supervised by someone who knows what they are doing; AND
  • the risks have been reduced as much as possible…

…then you can be asked to work in the five situations above!!!!

Is there a daily or weekly limit to the number of hours I can work?

You can work for up to eight hours each day.

You can work for up to 40 hours each week.

In other words, the most you can work in one week is for eight hours a day for five days.

Exceptions

You can be asked to work more than this in certain exceptional circumstances:

  • To ensure continuity of service or production or if there’s been an increase in demand.
  • There is no adult worker available.

BUT your education or training must not be badly affected

  

My boss has asked me to work the “night shift” do I have to?

The general rule is that 16- and 17-year-olds can’t work between 10pm and 6am (or 11pm and 7am).

Exceptions

You can work between midnight and 4am if:

  • You work in a hospital or similar setting.
  • Your work is in connection with cultural, artistic, sporting or advertising activities.

You must be responding to an increase in demand or maintaining production

Your training or education must not be badly affected

There are also some different rules for different people…

You can’t work between midnight and 4am if you work in:

  • Agriculture
  • Retail
  • Postal or newspapers
  • Catering
  • Hotel, pub restaurant, bar or similar
  • Bakery

If you fall within the exceptions or the different rules for different people section and you end up having to work during what should be your rest period (see Am I allowed a break from work? section), then you must be supervised by an adult worker if it’s necessary for your protection. The good news is that you’re also allowed to take a period of rest equal to the amount of time you spent working.

Am I allowed a break from work?

Each day you are entitled to at least 12 hours rest.

Every week you have a right to two days off.

If you work for 4½ hours continuously, you have a right to a minimum break of 30 minutes.

How much can I expect to be paid at work?

The National Minimum Wage applies to you. As a 16- and 17-year-old you are entitled to a minimum of £3 per hour.

18- to 22-year-olds can expect to receive £4.25 per hour.

I left school/college with hardly any qualifications and I’m now interested in starting a course. The only problem is that I’m working. Can I ask my boss for time off?

Yes, depending on the circumstances.

If all the statements below apply to you then you are entitled to take time off during your working hours:

16- and 17-year-olds

  • I am 16 or 17.
  • I am not receiving full-time secondary or further education and I have not reached the required standard of achievement.
  • The qualification I would like to study for is an external qualification which would help me reach the required standard of achievement;

or

  • The qualification would improve my employment prospects with my current employer or elsewhere.

Go for it…ask away!

b. 18-year-olds

  • I am 18 years old.
  • I am currently studying or training for a qualification which would help me reach the required standard of achievement.
  • I started the studying or training before I was 18.

Go for it…ask away!

I know that I am entitled to time off for training but how much time am I allowed?

The information available is very vague as to how much time off you are entitled to. Your employer should consider what is reasonable for the course you are studying but will also think about the effect your absence will have on the business.

I’m not sure if I’m working as an apprentice or not. How I can find out?

Special rules apply to apprenticeships. Contact us for more advice about your circumstances.

What happens if I have any problems at work?

If you have any problems at work or think your employer isn’t following the rules, then can make a claim to a type of court known as the employment tribunal. If the employment tribunal agrees with you, then the employment tribunal will order your employer to pay compensation to you.

Time limits

  • There is a three month time limit from the date when the rules were broken to taking the case to the tribunal.
  • The three month time limit can be extended if you make a complaint in writing to your employer within the first three months.
  • The employment tribunal may also extend the time limit if it thinks that it is not reasonably practicable for you to bring the claim within the first three months.
  • It is important that you obtain legal advice immediately to ensure the time limits are met.

Useful Resources

WorkSMART

Trades Union Congress
Congress House
Great Russell Street
London
WC1B 3LS

Tel: 020 7636 4030
Fax: 020 7636 0632
www.worksmart.org.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau

For employment advice and details of your local office visit: www.adviceguide.org.uk

Department of Trade and Industry

Response Centre
1 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0ET
Tel: 020 7215 5000 or 020 7215 6740 (Minicom)
www.dti.gov.uk

Health and Safety Executive

Rose Court
2 Southwark Bridge
London
SE1 9HS

Tel: 0845 345 0055
www.hse.gov.uk

National Minimum Wage Helpline

Tel: 0845 6000 687
www.dti.gov.uk/er/nmw

ACAS

Tel: 08457 47 47 47 
www.acas.org.uk

Commission for Racial Equality

St Dunstan's House
201-211 Borough High Street
LONDON
SE1 1GZ

Tel: 020 7939 0000
Fax: 020 7939 0004
Email: info@cre.gov.uk
Phone: 020 7939 0000
Fax: 020 7939 0004
www.cre.gov.uk

Equal Opportunities Commission

Arndale House
Arndale Centre                   
Manchester
M4 3EQ

Tel: 0845 601 5901
Email: info@eoc.org.uk
Fax: 0161 838 8312
www.eoc.org.uk

Disability Rights Commission

DRC Helpline
FREEPOST MID02164
Stratford upon Avon
CV37 9BR

Tel: 08457 622 633
Textphone: 08457 622 644
Fax: 08457 778 878
www.drc-gb.org

Lesbian and Gay Employment Rights

Tel: 020 7704 2205
www.dti.gov.uk/er/equality/LAGER.htm