Child Employment

Employment Permits

Employers must inform their Local Authority that they have employed a school-age child. If satisfied with the arrangements, the LA will issue the child with an employment permit. This may be rescinded, or employment in someway restricted, should there be any concern that the child's health or education is suffering.

The LA recognises that properly structured and regulated part-time work can help children's development and preparation for working life as long as it does not have an adverse impact on their education. It can allow them greater independence and should give them an advantage when seeking work as adults.

Local Authority Byelaws

The Byelaws regulate the types of occupation in which children under school leaving age may be employed, and other conditions of their employment. They provide for checks on a child's fitness for employment  and for the issue of employment permits, setting out the occupation in which a child may be employed and his hours of work. Employers are obliged to notify local authorities of their child employees.

The byelaws are not a comprehensive statement of the law relating to the employment of children and should be read in conjunction with other legislation relating to prohibited occupations, hours of work and street trading in particular.

By virtue of Section 560 Education Act 1996, enactments relating to the prohibition or regulation of the employment of children do not apply to children undertaking work experience within the meaning of the Act. “Enactment” for this purpose includes byelaws having effect under an enactment, so nothing in these Byelaws applies to a child's work experience.

Guidance from Department for Childen, Schools and Families

In 2009, the Department for Children, Schools and Families published a guidance document which you can view by clicking on the following link: http://publications.dcsf.gov.uk/eOrderingDownload/Child_employment09.pdf

For more information regarding applications for a child work permit, please contact Pupil Support tel. 01642 201867