Stop - Thinking About Getting A Part-time
Job
Ready - Apply for a work permit
Go - To work
Please remember:
School work is very demanding so please be certain that your
child is able to cope with and maintain their studies if they have
a part-time job.
Satisfy yourself:
- Is the job safe?
- Is the employer reputable?
- Have you signed an application form for a work permit?
- Will you child's school work suffer?
Raise any concerns with the Education Welfare Officer.
Jobs that do not require a permit:
Children doing odd jobs around the house for neighbours.
Babysitting for individuals or families (but obviously be aware
that this is a very important responsibility).
Work experience organised by your child's school.
The Law says:
Both National Legislation and
Suffolk County Council Byelaws (PDF, 30Kb) state:
CHILDREN MUST BE 13 YEARS OLD TO BE ABLE TO WORK PART-TIME
NO child can work before 7.00 am
NO child can work after 7.00 pm
NO child can be employed for more than 2 hours on a school day
and definitely not during school hours.
NO child can work on Sundays for more than 2 hours (between 7.00
am and 7.00 pm).
On Saturdays and during school holidays 13-14 years olds can
work a maximum of 5 hours per day (between 7.00 am and 7.00
pm). 15-16 year olds can work a maximum of 8 hours per day
(between 7.00 am and 7.00 pm).
During term time there is a maximum of 12 hours a week that any
young person may work.
Jobs must be permitted:
Any employment in a "trade or occupation" where the employer is
making a profit is illegal without a permit.
For example:
- Newspaper delivery
- Shop Work
- Cleaning
- Clerical/office work
- Light work in agriculture/horticulture
- Work with animals
- Waiting on tables in a café or restaurant
This also applies to parents employing their own children in the
family business.
It is the employer's responsibility to register the child with
the council where the child works.
An
application form (Word, 115Kb) will require the
parents/carers signature and
declaration of their child's fitness (PDF, 399Kb) to work.
Your son/daughter cannot work without your
knowledge/consent.
Many children work part-time. It can be good preparation
for the future and a helpful source of extra money but many jobs
are illegal.
Your child may not be old enough to leave school even when they
become 16. They will still need a permit to work.
The school leaving date is the last Friday in June of the School
year when a pupil attains their 16th birthday (year 11).
A pupil cannot leave school even if they have received a
National Insurance Number.
Please advise the council if you have any concerns
regarding employers who are reluctant to comply with the Suffolk
Byelaws.
For more information: