Child Employment - Information for young people

Are you thinking of taking a part-time job? Have you already got a part-time job?

If the answer is yes, then you need to register for an Employment Permit by completing this Child Employment Application Form.

Find out:

Why are there child employment laws?

The Law is there to protect young people who work to ensure that they are:

Safe – preventing accidents and injury
Benefiting fully from education
Having spare time to rest and enjoy social activities etc.

Jobs that do not require a permit

You do not need a work permit if you are doing odd jobs for neighbours, babysitting* or on work experience organised by school.

*If you are babysitting make sure you are okay with the important responsibility of young children.

Once you have found a job

Is it something you are allowed to do?
Are the hours within the law?
Has your employer given you a form for an Employment Card?

Remember, schoolwork comes first!

Don't be late for school, so tired you fall asleep in lessons, or so busy you can't complete homework properly on time.

If your schoolwork suffers or you do not attend school, you will not be allowed to continue working.

Applying for an employment Permit

The Local Education Authority responsible for issuing Employment Permits or cards is dependent upon where the employment takes place and not where the employer's head office is or where you live. Wokingham is now a separate Unitary Authority.

Employment permit application forms must be signed by your employer, your parent or guardian and head teacher.

Note: If you cannot get the headteacher's signature because of school holidays send the Employment Permit Application Form directly to the Wokingham office. We will notify the school once the holidays are over.

When the employment permit application form has been fully completed it should be returned to Wokingham Education Welfare Service for processing. Once processed we will send the permit to your employer. They will give it to you after copying it for their records. You will need to keep it with you at all times when you are working as you may be asked to show it to an authorised officer of the Borough Council when they visit your place of employment.

The card should be returned to the address on the back of the card when you leave your job.

Where can I get an application form?

You can download a Child Employment Application Form.

Employment Permits are specific to:

You, your employer, the place of work and the type and hours of work you are employed to do.

Remember:

Unless you are registered you may not be covered by your employer's liability insurance
The regulations also apply if you are working for your parents or guardians in the family business
If you have more than one employer or more than one job, you will need a separate employment card for each
You must not work before 7am or after 7pm
You need an Employment card/permit until you finish year 11. Even if you are 16 years and have a National Insurance Number.

Performance and TV work

There are also specific regulations with regard to young people taking part in performances: in theatres, filming, modeling, television broadcasting etc. Contact us for more details.