There are some local and national laws that control what you can and can’t do when working part-time between the ages of 13 and 16.
Bolton’s by-laws state that you can start part-time ‘light work’ at the age of 13, but nationally the law recommends that you are 14.
The Law
If you are aged 13 – 16 you can:
- Work up to 2 hours on a school day, but not during school hours
- Work up to 5 hours on a Saturday whilst you are aged 13 – 14. This rises to 8 hours for 15 and 16 year olds
- Work up to 2 hours on a Sunday
- Work during the school holidays, as long as it’s for no more than 5 hours per day and 25 hours per week. These hours increase when you are 15 to 8 hours per day and 35 hours per week
There are some exceptions to these laws – if you are taking part in an entertainment event is one example – but these employers must apply to Bolton Council for a licence to employ you if so.
Restrictions
You cannot:
- Work before 7am or after 7pm
- Work when you should be at school
- Sell alcohol, cigarettes or medicines
- Be involved with gambling
- Deliver milk
- Use dangerous machinery or chemicals
- Do any job that might cause you harm
- Work in a pub, amusement arcade, fairground, factory, slaughterhouse, commercial kitchen or chippy, on a street, in a theatre, cinema or nightclub (unless you are licensed to perform there)
Employers’ responsibilities
Your employer must register you with Bolton Council before you begin working for them and the completed form must be signed by your parent/guardian/carer.
Forms are available from your Connexions office, or by ringing the council on 01204 338178.
Employers must also make sure that you are kept safe at all times and supply any protective clothing or equipment needed.
National Minimum Wage
You are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage if you are under the official school leaving age.
Babysitting
You can babysit at any age, whether you are paid or not.
There is also no legal restriction on the age of the child you can look after.
However, if the child is thought to be at risk because of inadequate supervision, criminal proceedings could be taken against the child's parent(s).
For example, if a child is injured whilst in the care of a babysitter under 16 and the baby’s parents want to take action against the babysitter, the parents would have to show it was reasonable for them to have left the child with the babysitter.
If you are over 16 you can be charged with a criminal offence if you wilfully assault, ill treat or abandon a child left in your care