Working when still at school

Once you’re 12, if you want to, you can start thinking about earning a little pocket money. However, you won’t be able to do part-time work until you’re 13 and if you get a part-time job while you're still at school your employer must get a "work permit" from your Local Education Office before employing you. This permit must be signed by your parent or carer. Without this permit you won't be insured at work. For some jobs, such as washing cars, walking the dog or gardening, you won’t need a permit.

If you’re 15 or under and still of school age (under 16) you:

can’t work before 7am or after 7pm;
can only work for two hours on a school day and no more than one hour before school starts;
can’t work for more than two hours on a Sunday; and
are not allowed to do certain jobs. You can get more details from the local education authority.

Suggested jobs: paper round, cafe, shop work.

If you're over school age (you can leave school on the last Friday in June in the school year you become 16) but under 18 and have left Year 11 you:

can’t be employed for more than 8 hours a day or for more than 40 hours a week;
are entitled to 12 hours (in a row) of rest in each 24-hour period and at least 30 minutes rest break when working for more than 4 ½ hours; and
are not allowed to work between 10pm and 6am or 11pm and 7am*.

*These rules don’t apply to all sectors. You can work later hours in places such as hospitals, hotels, catering and postal services.

For more information on work permits and getting further advice visit Vacancies Online.