Employing young people and children

Updating author: Lynda Macdonald

XpertHR editor: Laura Merrylees

Summary

• There are various statutory restrictions on the employment of children and on the hours that children may work. (See Restrictions on the employment of children)
• An employer that wishes to employ a child must obtain a permit from the local education authority. (See Restrictions on the employment of children)
• Children in their last two years of compulsory schooling may undertake work experience. (See Work experience and children)
• The Working Time Regulations 1998 impose restrictions on the hours of work of young persons under 18. (See Restrictions on the employment of young persons)
• Young persons have, on the whole, the same statutory rights in recruitment and employment as people over the age of 18. (See Employment rights of children and young persons)
• Some young people in England are subject to a duty to participate in education or training. (See Duty on young people to participate in education or training)