Part-time work can be a valuable experience for young people, helping them develop confidence, skills and an understanding of the workplace. However, there are legal restrictions on the type of work children can do, the hours they can work and the age at which they can start.

Children must be at least 13 to work part-time and, before they start work, their employer must register them with Herefordshire Council and obtain a child employment licence.

The rules are designed to protect young people and make sure that work does not have a negative impact on their health, safety, welfare or education.

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Roads and Regulatory Services, Councillor Barry Durkin said:

“Part-time work can be a really positive experience for young people, giving them the opportunity to develop new skills, gain confidence and learn about the world of work.

“But there are important rules in place to make sure children are protected and that having a job does not interfere with their education, health or wellbeing.

“We’re asking employers, parents and carers to make sure they understand the rules before a young person starts work. Employers have a responsibility to register children with the council and make sure the work they are doing is safe and appropriate for their age.

“Our licensing team regularly works with employers and checks that the rules around child employment are being followed. If employers or parents are unsure whether a particular job is permitted, we would encourage them to contact the council for advice.”

Children can work from 7am until 7pm, subject to restrictions on the number of hours they can work and when they can work during term time and school holidays.

There are also restrictions on the types of work children can undertake. For example, children cannot be employed to work with dangerous machinery or chemicals, sell alcohol, cigarettes or medicines, work in connection with gambling or carry out door-to-door sales.

Children aged 13 can only undertake certain types of light work, including agricultural or horticultural work, delivering newspapers, journals and leaflets, shop work and work in hairdressing salons.

Employers are responsible for the health, safety and welfare of children while they are at work. They must carry out a risk assessment and provide protective clothing where necessary.

A child’s employment can also be stopped if it is affecting their school attendance or work, if they are regularly late for school, or if their health is suffering or at risk.

Parents, carers and employers who are unsure whether a job is permitted, or who need advice about child employment licences, can contact Herefordshire Council’s Children’s Licensing team.

For more information, including the full rules and how to apply for a child employment licence:

•   visit the Council’s website. 

•   contact Children’s Licensing on 01432 261761

•   or email: childrenslicensing@herefordshire.gov.uk