Work Permits for children aged 13 - 16

How old does a child have to be to work?
They must be at least 13 years old.

How much work can they do? What type of work can they do?
The regulations limit the hours and times and the types of work young people are permitted to do. There are some types of employment that a child is not allowed to do. An employer must also do a risk assessment before a child can start work and give a copy of the assessment to the child and their parent or guardian.

How much should they be paid?
There is currently no minimum wage for children or young people who are employed while they are still of compulsory school age.

How to get a Child Work Permit?

Download this leaflet and form:

• Child Work Permit leaflet and Application Form

The form must be completed by an employer and parent or legal guardian. The form must be sent to the Juvenile Employment team within seven days of a child starting work.

If the employer is not in the Manchester City Council area, they must send the completed form to their own Local Authority.

How much does it cost?
It is free to apply for a Child Work Permit

An employer must remember. . .

• Children may not be employed during school hours.
• Children under the age of thirteen years cannot be employed.
• The regulations apply until the child's offical school leaving date - even if a National Insurance number is sent to the child before this date.
• A Child Work Permit is still needed even if the child is employed by their own parent or a family member.
• The regulations apply whether the child is paid or not and whether the work is regular or casual.
• A child who is not registered with the Local Education Authority (LEA) is not insured by their employer or covered for industrial injuries.
• It is a legal requirement for all employers to register any child employed by them with the Local Authority.