Part-time work for young people can be a fulfilling introduction to working life, offering an opportunity to gain experience and start earning money of their own.
With April being Child Employment Month, employers, parents, carers and young people are being reminded about the legal protections in place for school-age children who work part‑time.
One of the most important legal requirements is that every school-age child who works must have a valid work permit.
It is the employer’s responsibility to apply for the permit before a young person starts work. The permit is free of charge.
Work permits are issued by us and help make sure jobs are suitable, hours are safe and education is not affected. They are not intended to disrupt business, but to ensure the employer is protected. We aim to process applications within 21 days.
The law covers all young people from the age of 13 until the last Friday in June of Year 11, when they are aged 15 or 16.
Children within this age range can only work if strict rules are followed to keep them safe, healthy and treated fairly by their employer.
Cllr Clare Sutton, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said:
“Part‑time work can be a really positive experience for young people, helping them build confidence, learn new skills and get a first taste of the workplace.
“It can also be hugely rewarding for employers, who often tell us that young people bring fresh ideas, energy and enthusiasm to their teams, while helping to build a future workforce with the right skills and attitudes.
“Work permits are not about red tape; they’re about protecting children, supporting employers to do the right thing and making sure education always comes first.”
As part of the process, we check the job details to ensure they meet child employment law. The young person’s school and parents or carers are also asked for input before a permit can be issued.
Employing a child without a permit is illegal. Employers who do so risk prosecution, and their Employers’ Liability Insurance may be invalid.
This means that if an accident happens while a young person is working illegally, there may be no insurance cover in place.
