What is the legal age to work in the UK?

At what age can someone get a job in the UK?

Young people can legally begin working from the age of 13, but the rules around employing minors are far from straightforward. While offering jobs to younger teenagers can be a great way to support their development and begin their work experience, it is critical that employers understand the laws around their employment and comply with the legal framework that governs child and youth employment.

This article explores the key legal requirements for employing young people in the UK, helping businesses stay compliant while offering meaningful opportunities to the next generation.

How many hours can a 16-year-old work?

A 16-year-old can work a maximum of 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week, but they can only work up to 2 hours on a school day, and up to 8 hours on a Saturday and in school holidays.

A 17-year-old cannot work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week. An employer can ask a 17-year-old to work longer hours if:

• There are no available workers aged 18 or over.
• It is to cope with a sudden increase in demand or to keep the service running.
• Their education or training will not be negatively affected.

Those under 16 have further limits that depend on their age and whether it is a school day or holiday. 15 to 16-year-olds can work a maximum of 35 hours a week during the holidays, including a maximum of 8 hours on weekdays and Saturdays, and a maximum of 2 hours on a Sunday.

In term time you can only employ a child for a maximum of 12 hours a week. This includes a maximum of 2 hours on a school day and Sunday, and a maximum of 5 hours on Saturdays for 13 to 14-year-olds, or 8 hours for 15 to 16-year-olds.

During the school holidays 13 to 14-year-olds can only work a maximum of 25 hours a week.

This includes a maximum of 5 hours on weekdays and Saturdays, and a maximum of 2 hours on a Sunday.

Some local councils have their own rules and bylaws regarding child employment so it’s always best to contact them for more information.

What type of job can a 16-year-old have?

A 16-year-old can find a variety of jobs, typically in retail, fast food chains or restaurants, supermarkets, or cafes. Other common options are babysitting, dog walking, or taking on online work like being an online assistant.

Apprenticeships are an alternative path to education for 16-year-olds, allowing a 16-year-old to earn and gain skills through a combination of work and training.

Are 16-year-olds entitled to a minimum wage?

16-year-olds are entitled to the minimum wage in the UK, which is currently set at £7.55 per hour (as of 1 April 2025). If you’re a registered employer, you will need to record and report their pay as part of your payroll.

School aged children aren’t entitled to the national minimum wage and they don’t pay National Insurance. This means that you don’t have to include them on your payroll. It is up to you what you pay someone under 16.

Can I employ someone under the age of 13?

If a child is under 13, they can be employed in a performance role, for example, acting or modelling work.

The local council issue performance licences after they have spoken to the headteacher of the child’s school to ensure that their schoolwork won’t suffer. The producer of the performance must apply for the licence, not the parent or school.

What are the legal restrictions to employing a young person?

There are several restrictions when it comes to employing children, so you will need to weigh up the pros and cons before deciding on doing so.

For example, children are not allowed to work:

• without an employment permit. This is issued by the education department of the local council;
• in places such as industrial sites or factories;
• during school hours;
• before 7am or after 7pm;
• for more than one hour before school starts;
• for more than 4 hours without a break of at least an hour;
• in most jobs in pubs and betting shops;
• in any job that may be harmful to their education, health or wellbeing; or
• without having a 2-week break during the school holidays.

Get expert legal advice from industry-leading employment solicitors

No matter what, it’s important to get it right first time when employing young people. It is advisable to seek legal advice if you wish to employ children as the rules and regulations are very different. Our leading experts in employment law are here to support you and ensure you are following the legal framework you need to.

If you need guidance as an employer, don’t hesitate, call us today on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.