From Lawpack's Employment Contracts Kit.
The law considers a 'child' to be anyone younger than the minimum school-leaving age of 16 and a 'young person' to be anyone over school-leaving age, but under 18. Young persons are protected by the Working Time Regulations.
No child may be employed:
- if under the age of 13;
- during school hours;
- before 7am or after 7pm;
- for more than two hours on any day on which he is required to attend school;
- for more than two hours on a Sunday;
- in any industrial undertaking; or
- where they are likely to suffer injury from lifting, carrying or moving heavy items.
A local education authority has powers to supervise the employment of school children in its area and may require particulars about a child's employment. It may prohibit or restrict employment if it feels that the employment is unsuitable, even if not unlawful.
A person who wishes to employ a child must obtain a permit from the local education authority. In addition, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidance on the employment of young workers.
Law stated as at 1 April, 2005