Jobs for teenagers

Children are legally allowed to work in the UK from the age of 13 (this doesn't include TV work, modelling work or theatre work, which has different restrictions) but there are several rules and regulations on when and where they are allowed to work.

See below for information on the type of job teenagers can have and the number of hours they can legally work:

Child employment FAQs

Many teenagers are keen to earn some extra pocket money and enjoy working a few hours a week. It's also good experience for later in life. But finding work for a 13-year-old can be tricky! See below for information on the type of job teenagers can have and the number of hours they can legally work:

Q: Can a 13-year-old work full-time during the school holidays?

A: No. Children are not allowed to work full-time until they have reached the minimum school leaving age.

Q: What is the minimum wage for children?

A: There is no national minimum wage if you are under 16. Once you turn 16 you are legally entitled to a minimum of £3.79 per hour. This will increase when you turn 18.

Q: Can 13 and 14 year olds work anywhere?

A: No. They cannot work in places like factories, pubs, betting shops and industrial sites.

Q: How many hours can teens work?

A: They are not allowed to work before 7am or after 7pm. During term time they cannot work for more than one hour before school and a total of two hours on a school day. On weekends they are allowed to work for 5 hours on a Saturday and 2 hours on a Sunday. 15-16 year olds can work 8 hours on a Saturday.

Q: Can teenagers work more hours in the school holidays?

A: Yes. 13 and 14 year olds can work up to 5 hours on weekdays and Saturdays, but they are still only allowed to work 2 hours on a Sunday. 15 and 16 year olds can work up to 8 hours on weekdays and Saturdays and also just two hours on a Sunday.

Q: Does my child need a permit to work?

A: Your child does not need a permit to work, but businesses intending to employ school children must apply for a child employment permit. If a child works for a company without a child employment permit they may not be insured against accidents.

Note: Local bylaws list all the jobs children cannot do and the hours they can legally work. This may vary from region to region, so be sure to contact your local council if you are unsure.

This information has been taken for the gov.uk website - January 2015

More advice on jobs for teenagers

We asked Netmums members for their tips and experiences when it comes to finding work for their teenagers. Here's what they said:

Lesley C ...
"There's a young lad around us who cuts peoples grass for £5 a go, he puts leaflets through everyones doors and does really well from it, hes about 14/15. When I was 14 (I'm only 21 now so not that long ago!) I had a waitressing job and then at 15 I had a job packing pet food in a local shop, it's just a matter of hunting around and not being too fussy I think! "

Paula E ...
"My daughter is 14 and works at the local Seafare fish and chip shop, she works 3 school evenings from 5-7 and Saturday 11-2pm. She loves the independence of having spending money and tends to appreciate things a lot more."

Ali B ...
"My son has started a leader paper round at 13 years of age. It's once a week and they get about £20-£30 fortnightly (depending on the number of leaflets in each paper). It takes about half an hour to organise the leaflets and one and a half hours to deliver the papers."

Catherine J ...
"I would be delighted if someone put a card through my door offering to cut the grass (using our mower) for, say, £10 a time. I imagine there are lots of families like ours who have equipment but no time. Worth a thought."

Claire K ...
"If your teen can't find any work you could always pay them for doing chores around the house like painting fences, mowing grass or decorating. It will help to give them some experience and of course earn some pennies."