Satisfy yourself with the potential place of employment

• Is the job safe?
• Is the employer reputable?
• Has an application form for a work permit been signed?
• Has the employer shared a Risk Assessment with a parent/carer?
• Have you raised any concerns you may have with the Educational Welfare Officer (EWO)?

Jobs that do not require a permit:

• Children doing odd jobs around the house for parents/family.
• Work experience organised by your school.
• Self-employment (parents must take responsibility for the child’s safety & consideration to risk assessment/insurance).

Both National Legislation and Suffolk County Council Byelaws state:

CHILDREN MUST BE 13 YEARS OLD TO BE ABLE TO WORK PART-TIME

• A child cannot work before 7:00 am
• A child cannot work after 7:00pm

School Days

• A child cannot be employed for more than 2 hours on a school day and definitely not during school hours.

Saturdays and holidays

• Aged: 13 and 14 years
  • 5 hours between 7am and 7pm
  • Maximum of 25 hours per week
• Aged 15 – until the end of year 11
  • 8 hours between 7am and 7pm
  • Maximum of 35 hours per week

Sundays
A child can work on Sundays for 2 hours maximum (between 7:00am and 7:00pm)

• During term time, there is a maximum of 12 hours a week that any child may work (this includes weekends).
• Any employment, whether paid or voluntary, is illegal without a work permit.
• This also applies to parents employing their own children in the family business.
• It is the employer’s responsibility to register the child with the Local Authority where the child is intending to work.
• An application form will require the parents/carers' signature and declaration of their child’s fitness to work.  The declaration also confirms that the parents have been consulted regarding the risk assessment.
• A child cannot work without the knowledge and consent of their parents/carer.
• A child cannot start work until the application has been authorised by the Child Employment Office.
• The Work Permit must be carried at all times when working.  Any work permit may be withdrawn or amended by the Child Employment Office.
• The child’s educational attendance is of prime importance and overrides any consideration to be employed.
• A Work Permit is required and the legislation surrounding hours and employment applies until the child reaches the end of statutory school age (end of year 11).

• Get an application form for a work permit from the Child Employment Office or your school
  (attached below and available from the Suffolk County Council website)
• The form must be completed and signed by the Employer and Parent/Carer.
• Attach a passport sized photograph (this does not need to be of passport quality)
• A risk assessment must be undertaken and shared between Employer and Parents/Carers

Examples of work a child can do

• Newspaper delivery
• Shop work
• Office work
• Washing cars by hand
• Work in a hairdresser
• Work in café/restaurant clearing tables/washing up
• Light work in riding stables
• Domestic work in hotels
• Light agricultural and gardening work (no machinery to be used)

Examples of work a child cannot do

• Sell or deliver alcohol
• Deliver milk or fuel
• Collect money or sell door to door
• Use chemicals
• Collect or sort refuse
• Work in telephone sales
• Work more than 1 metre above or below the ground (on ladders etc.)
• Work in cinema and nightclubs
• Work as an attendant or assistant in a fairground or amusement arcade
• Undertake personal care of residents in a nursing home
• Work in a commercial kitchen