Teenagers working – rules and regulations

A part-time job is an excellent way for teenagers to increase their “disposable income”, learn about life, get experience of a work environment meet new people.

However there are laws to protect children working which employers must follow - these do not apply to babysitting.

Teenagers aged 14 plus can legally take part-time employment. In some instances children can be younger for instance working on the family farm, but you should check these out with your local authority.

Employers wishing to take on a child before school leaving age must complete an application form from the Educational Welfare Service which must be signed by the employer and the parent – and sometimes a child’s head teacher.

The regulations are there to protect young teens who should work no more than 12 hours during a term-time week and should have at least a two week break during their holidays.

Your teen should not work:

• during school hours or during the lunch break;
• before 7am or after 7pm;
• more than two hours on a school day;
• more than one hour before school starts;
• more than two hours on a Sunday.

Under 15s can work:

• no more than five hours on a Saturday or on holidays;
• no more that 25 hours during a school holiday week.

At 16, a teen who is still at school can:

• work eight hours on a Saturday or during school holidays;
• work a 35 hour week during holidays.

If your teen is falling behind with school work or is always tired, check that they are not being asked to do too much and consider looking for another way for them to earn extra money.