In the UK you are not legally allowed to be employed until the age of 13. This is with the exception of paid sports or entertainment with the permission of your local authority. Many children under the age of 13 help their family out with household chores, car washing and gardening for extra pocket money. This can be a good way of bridging the gap between 11 and 13 when you are legally allowed to get your first job. Once you reach the age of 13, you can do jobs which aren’t likely to affect your health, safety or education. Such jobs may include paper rounds or shop work.
By the age of 14, you can be employed in a wide range of jobs. There are however some that you are not allowed to do due to health and safety reasons, for example working on a building site or in certain factories. To find out the exact restrictions and guidelines for your area you would need to contact your local authority. Generally, the rules for 14 year olds are; during term time, you can only work for two hours on weekdays and Sundays; during term time, you can only work for five hours on Saturdays; during a school holiday, you can work for up to five hours on a week day or a Saturday; during a school holiday, you can't work for more than two hours on a Sunday and you cannot work before 07:00 or after 19.00 on any day.
Once you are 16, you are able to do most jobs although it is still advisable you contact your local authority in the case of a job which may be viewed as hazardous. By the age of 18, you have the same work rights as adults and are legally allowed to be employed in the UK.
By the age of 14, you can be employed in a wide range of jobs. There are however some that you are not allowed to do due to health and safety reasons, for example working on a building site or in certain factories. To find out the exact restrictions and guidelines for your area you would need to contact your local authority. Generally, the rules for 14 year olds are; during term time, you can only work for two hours on weekdays and Sundays; during term time, you can only work for five hours on Saturdays; during a school holiday, you can work for up to five hours on a week day or a Saturday; during a school holiday, you can't work for more than two hours on a Sunday and you cannot work before 07:00 or after 19.00 on any day.
Once you are 16, you are able to do most jobs although it is still advisable you contact your local authority in the case of a job which may be viewed as hazardous. By the age of 18, you have the same work rights as adults and are legally allowed to be employed in the UK.