The youngest age a child can work part-time is 13, except children involved in areas like television, theatre and modelling where they will require a licence to perform
Between the ages of 13 and 16, children can’t work unless they have a child employment permit. It is illegal for businesses to employ 13-16 year old children without one.
Who needs to apply for a work permit
The employer should apply to the Child Employment and Performance Licensing Officer for a permit if the child will be working in the London Borough of Sutton. A permit is for a specific job and cannot be transferred.
What type of work is allowed
13 to 16 year olds can do light work in the following areas:
- agricultural or horticultural work
- delivery of newspapers/printed material
- shop work
- hairdressing salons
- office work
- private car washing by hand
- café or restaurant – but not in the kitchen
- domestic work – for example: in a hotel
Types of work not allowed
No child of any age can be employed in the following areas:
- cinemas or night clubs
- commercial kitchens
- collecting or sorting rubbish, rags or scrap metal
- any work more than three metres above the ground/floor level
- telephone sales
- fairgrounds or amusement arcades, as an attendant or assistant
The government has also placed other restrictions on the kind of work that children can do – including health and safety, alcohol licensing and gambling laws. The London Borough of Sutton also has Byelaws regarding what work children are permitted to undertake.
Restrictions on working hours
- No child may start work before 7am or after 7pm on any day.
Monday to Friday
- On a school day, a child may work for 2 hours during either 7am-8am or between the close of school and 7pm.
Saturdays and holidays (maximum 25 hours a week)
- under 15s can work five hours a day
- over 15s can work eight hours a day
Sundays
- A maximum of two hours of work
All children must have at least two weeks free during the school summer holidays. For more information, please read this
To apply for a Child Employment Permit, please complete the form here or if you have any questions, contact us.
Further information
National Network for Child Employment and Entertainment (NNCEE)