Paid or unpaid work and school aged pupils

If you regularly employ a school-aged pupil (between ages 13 to 16) on a paid or unpaid basis, you are legally required to inform us and need to request a child employment permit. If you do not apply for a permit, you are breaking the law and could be prosecuted.

Permitted times of employment of children aged 13 and over

For information on the type and duration of employment allowed for children under 14, you should contact the child employment service using the details at the bottom of the page.

Apply for a child employment permit

• You must submit a child employment permit application form to us within the first five days of employment.
• The form must be completed in agreement with the child and the parent.
• It is designed to help regulate the protection, health, safety and welfare of the child employee.