Are there any restrictions on the employment of young people?

Under the Working Time Regulations 1998 (SI 1998/1833), restrictions are imposed on the hours of work and rest breaks of young persons, ie those over school leaving age but under 18 years old.

In addition, reg.19 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (SI 1999/3242) places restrictions on the employment of young people (under the age of 18) in certain types of work and on the exposure of young persons to hazardous situations at work. For example, employers must not employ young people in work that is beyond their physical or psychological capacity, or in which there is a risk to health from extreme cold, heat, noise or vibration.