You’ll find that most part-time jobs are advertised by word of mouth, so tell as many people as possible that you’re looking for a job.
Ask them to let you know if they hear of anything that might be suitable.
Give potential employers a ring or visit them in person to ask if they have any available jobs and how to apply for them. Most will be impressed by your initiative, but do remember to be polite and well presented, as first impressions count.
Shop windows and company notice boards are a good way of finding work and there is of course the Internet.
Look at company websites and email them with your CV as many companies keep these on file even if there are no jobs available at that time. If you don’t get a reply, don’t give up as companies receive a lot of requests like yours so can’t always respond to everyone. Simply keep trying.
Online directories such as Yell and Google are a great way of finding company names, addresses, telephone numbers and websites.
The law
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.
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. Forms are available from your the Education Social Work Service or by ringing 01204 338178.
Employers must also make sure that you are kept safe at all times and supply any protective clothing or equipment needed.