Information for young people and parents

You must register to work. 

You cannot apply for a work permit until you have got a job. This is because the application requires details of the employer and the proposed occupation.

This form must be completed by the employer, and signed by the parents. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that a work permit is obtained.

If there are no difficulties with the proposed employment a work permit will be issued which you must carry at all times whilst you are working. The employer will also be notified that a permit has been issued.

The employer has a duty to share with the child's parent an assessment of any risks that the child may face whilst at work.  It may be necessary for the child to attend for a medical examination by the school medical officer.

It is important that every child who wants to work obtains a work permit, so that he/she has the protection of appropriate insurance cover in case of an accident whilst at work.

The law says that: No child under the age of 13 years can be employed

NB. Children are of compulsory school age until the day they are allowed to leave school i.e the last Friday in June, NOT on their 16th Birthday or when they receive their National Insurance number.

Information for employers

• Have you applied to the education department for a work permit on behalf of the child (the law says you must)? 
• Have you carried out a risk assessment and shared this with the child's parent/carer? 
• Do you have employers liability insurance? 
• Has the child been adequately trained for the job he/she is required to do and made aware of any risks which may be involved? 
• Have you supplied the child with all necessary safety equipment and clothing? 
• You shouldn't ask any child to do work which has not previously been agreed with the licensing authority 

Employers must be mindful of the child's welfare when in their employment - employers should encourage the child to tell them if anyone at work is making them feel anxious or uncomfortable by what is being said or done to them.

Related documents:

Children_in_Employment_leaflet.pdf

Application_Entertainment_licence.pdf