Child employment
Minimum ages children can work
Part-time work
Children can work part-time from the age of 14.
In some local council areas, children can work part-time from the age of 13. Contact your local council’s education department or education welfare service for more information.
Children under 14 can work in areas like:
- television
- theatre
- modelling
Children working in these areas will need a performance licence.
Full-time work
Children can only start full-time work once they’ve reached the minimum school leaving age - they can then work up to a maximum of 40 hours a week.
Once someone reaches 16, you may need to pay them through PAYE.
Once someone reaches 18, adult employment rights and rules then apply.
In England, a young person must be in part-time education or training until they’re 18.