Child employment

Having a part time job can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for children and young people.

Children are considered to be employed if they assist in a business which operates for profit whether they are paid or unpaid.  This also applies to an employer’s own children.

It's illegal for anyone, including parents and guardians, to employ children under the age of 13 in any capacity.

From age 13 to minimum school leaving age, children are allowed to work part-time. Children do not need a national insurance number to work part-time as they are not taxed, but they must hold an employment permit to make the work legal.

There are limits to the times and days that children may work, and there are limits to the types of employment that children may do.

Times children are permitted to work

There are specific hours of work allowed.

Permitted employment for children aged 13

A child aged 13 cannot be employed except in light work in one or more specified categories.

Employer's responsibilities

The employer is responsible:

• for ensuring the relevant insurance cover is provided
• for the health, safety, and welfare of the children they employ, and to carry out risk assessments and make the findings known to the parent or guardian.
• that the child has suitable clothing and shoes including protective clothing where necessary
• that proper rest breaks are adhered to – at least 1 hour's rest after 4 hours work

It is the sole responsibility of the employer to ensure a child has an employment permit and that the child is employed only in accordance with the details shown on the employment permit. Employers are liable to prosecution if they:

• do not register their school age employees
• employ school age children in a prohibited occupation
• allow school age children to work outside the hours permitted by the byelaws

If you employ a child of school age without an employment permit, you are contravening the child employment regulations and we may take action against you

For more information and legislation about children and young people involved in employment and entertainment, check the National Network of Child Employment and Entertainment (NNCEE) website .

Applying for a permit

During a child's first week of employment the employer is required to submit an employment permit application form in order to legally register the child's employment with the local authority in whose area the employment takes place, not where the child resides or attends school.

Completed applications should be sent to cee@bradford.gov.uk.

If your application meets all the necessary requirements, an employment permit will be issued confirming that the child is registered for work listing their details, the employer’s details and the place and hours of work. The permit will be sent to the child via parents and a copy to the employer.

Apply for an Employment permit, (word document)

Does a child need a national insurance number to be able to participate in part-time work?

Children do not require a national insurance number to participate in part-time work as they are not taxed. Children must hold an employment permit to make the work legal.

It is a common misconception that once a child receives a national insurance card they can start work. Children must hold an employment permit for any part-time employment until the end of compulsory school age.

Can a child continue to work for an employer with whom they have been on a work experience programme with after the work experience has finished?

In some cases this is possible providing the child holds an employment permit. However, some types of employment which can be carried out under a work experience programme are prohibited employment under Child Employment Law.

If a child works in a family business are they considered to be employed?

Children are considered to be employed if they assist in a business which operates for profit whether they are paid or unpaid. This applies to an employer’s own children.

Further information

For more information and legislation about children and young people involved in employment and entertainment, check the National Network of Child Employment and Entertainment (NNCEE) website.

Contact us at cee@bradford.gov.uk

Visit www.gov.uk/child-employment/restrictions-on-child-employment