The world of work for under 16s

In this guide:

Introduction

As someone who’s wanting to earn some cash (whether it’s to go out with your mates, buy the latest mobile or save for a future dream) then knowing your rights in the world of work is a top priority for you.

And, as a teenager, you’ve probably had enough of hearing about the things you’re not allowed to do. So, we’ve come up with a list of the things you CAN do so that you can enter the world of work aware of your rights and knowing that your health and safety won’t be put at risk.

  • If you’re under the age of 14, you can relax! If anyone asks you to work for them (for free or for money) then you’re entitled to say “no”. If you’re 13, you can do some occasional part-time work.
  • You can carry out light work. “Light work” is anything which isn’t going to harm your health, safety, development, school attendance or work experience.
  • On a school day, you can work outside of school hours – no finishing school early!
  • You can have a lie in on a school day as you can only work after 7 in the morning (before school) and before 7 in the evening (after school has finished). And, the good news is that you shouldn’t be exhausted for school from working hard as you can only work for a maximum of two hours on a school day.
  • You can work for a maximum of 12 hours in one week.
  • There should be plenty of time for yourself on a Sunday as you can only work for a maximum of two hours.
  • If you’re under 15, then on Saturdays, during school holidays and on days when you don’t have to go to school then you can work for a maximum of five hours.
  • If you’re 15 or over then you can work for up to 35 hours a week during the school holidays.
  • If you’re under 15, then you can work for up to 25 hours a week during the school holidays.
  • If you work for more than four hours on any day, it’s your right to have a one-hour break.
  • You can work in an industrial setting (e.g. factory) BUT only if a member of your family also works there.
  • All work and no play would be very dull. Every year, you have to have a solid two-week period during the school holidays when you don’t work. 

WATCH OUT

There may also be special rules made by your local council as to what you can or can’t do

The National Minimum Wage rules do not apply to you

Before you start work, your employer should provide your parents with information about any risks to you in the workplace and what steps will be taken to keep you safe.

Special situations

Even if you have strong “sea legs” you can’t work on any seagoing UK ship.

Lights, camera, action!…If you fancy yourself as “the next big thing”, then special rules apply to you if you work in the entertainment world.

You’re also prevented from working in any of the following areas:

  • Scrap metal sales
  • Betting shops
  • Petrol Stations
  • House-to-house charitable collections
  

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