Having a part time job can be really great; it gives you some extra spending money and can help you get really useful work skills. If you are still in education even if you are already 16 there are rules about the type of work and number of hours you can do. Below are some guidelines but if you want to check out the details visit the ‘Employment of Children’ section at www.durham.gov.uk
► The Rules...
► If you are under 13 you cannot have a paid job unless you are a model or performer (you will need a performance licence).
► Aged 13-16 you can work limited hours, but you can’t miss school for work.
► You can only be employed to do ‘light work’ such as delivering newspapers or working in shops, offices, farms, stables, etc. You cannot work in a factory or industrial setting.
► You will need a permit to work which the employer must apply for they can get this from Durham County Council.
► You cannot work before 7am or after 7pm. You must have a break after 4 hours and 2 weeks with no work each year.
► Types of Jobs for 13 year olds...
For information on what types of jobs you can do at aged 13 please see the Durham County Council website here...
► Hours or Work...
In term time you can work 2 hours per day Monday to Friday and Sundays. On Saturdays 13-14 year olds can work 5 hours and 15-16 year olds can work 8 hours.
In the school holidays 13-14 year olds can work a maximum of 5 hours per day Monday to Saturday and 2 hours on a Sunday but you cannot work more than 25 hours per week. 15-16 year olds can work 8 hours per day Monday to Saturday and 2 hours on a Sunday. You cannot work more than 35 hours per week.
There is no national Minimum wage for under 16s so the employer can decide the amount they pay you.
These rules stay on place until you have left Year 11 (even if you have finished your exams and do not have to go into school) until the Official School Leaving Date is reached; this is always the last Friday in June.
► Work at 16+
If you complete year 11 and want to get a job you need to know that you will be up against people who may have both qualifications and experience of work. The Government is committed to keeping you ‘in learning’ until you are 18, so you will probably be looking for work which fits around your studies.
At 16 and 17 you are classed as a ‘Young Worker’ there are fewer restrictions on the amount and type of work you do but in most cases you cannot work more that 8 hours a day and a total of 40 hours a week. You must have rest breaks and holidays. For details see the Young Workers section on www.direct.gov.uk
For more information on your rights at work, including the National Minimum Wage, click here
