Can my 12-year-old work in the UK?

Paid work for under-13s is only allowed with a performance licence (for example TV, theatre or modelling). General paid jobs are not permitted until age 13.

Do they need a work permit?

Yes. Most local authorities require a child work permit for under-16s. The employer normally applies, but parents and the school must sign. Without it the employer's insurance may be invalid.

How much should my child be paid?

Under-16s are not covered by the National Minimum Wage but should still be paid a fair rate set in writing. From 16-17 the Under-18 NMW rate applies. Check gov.uk for current rates.

What if the workplace is unsafe?

Pull them out of any task that is unsafe. Report serious concerns to the Health and Safety Executive or, for exploitation, call 101 and the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.

Ages 13-16

Your Child's First Part-Time Job

A UK pathway for a first part-time job, with legal hours, work permits, pay and online safety in the workplace.

Part-time work can be brilliant for confidence, money sense and routine. UK law is also clear and stricter than many families realise.

Children under 13 cannot do paid work outside specific exceptions (such as TV, theatre or modelling with a performance licence). From 13 to school leaving age, only light work is allowed, with strict limits on hours, days and the type of work. Most local authorities require a work permit before the child starts.

National Minimum Wage age bands and tax rules also apply, and many employers do not realise the school-attendance rules. Knowing this protects your child and the employer.

Readiness signs

Look for these before saying yes

✓Manages homework and bedtime on a regular school schedule.
✓Can travel safely to and from the workplace.
✓Can hold a polite conversation with adults they do not know.
✓Understands basic money, payslips and bank transfers.
✓Tells you when something at school or socially is bothering them.
✓Can say no to requests that feel wrong.

Parent checklist

Step 1

Confirm your child is 13 or older for paid light work; under-13 paid work is only for licensed performance.

Step 2

Apply to your local council for a child work permit before they start.

Step 3

Check the job is on the local authority's permitted list (no pubs, kitchens with hot work, scaffolding, gambling, etc.).

Step 4

Check term-time hours: maximum 12 hours per school week for 13-14, 25 hours for 15-16.

Step 5

Check daily limits: 2 hours on a school day, max 2 hours on Sunday.

Step 6

Confirm the employer has Employers' Liability insurance covering under-18s.

Step 7

Confirm the correct National Minimum Wage band for the age (under-18 rate from 16+; under-16s are not covered by NMW).

Step 8

Ask for a written statement of duties, hours and pay.

Step 9

Talk through what is and is not OK to share about customers or the workplace online.

Step 10

Save 999, 101 and a trusted adult on their phone for shifts.

Family agreement points

•I will only work the hours and tasks we have agreed with the employer.
•I will not post photos of customers, colleagues or staff areas on social media.
•I will tell you if anyone at work asks for my personal phone number or social media.
•I will tell you if anyone at work asks me to keep secrets.
•I will message you when I arrive and leave each shift.
•I will not let work hours affect my sleep or homework.
•I will tell you if I am asked to do anything dangerous, illegal or uncomfortable.

What to say

Phrases that help

Your school work comes first. If the job starts hurting your grades or sleep, we change the hours.
An adult at work asking for your personal Snapchat or WhatsApp is a stop sign. Show me before replying.
If a colleague or customer makes you feel uncomfortable, tell the manager and tell me. Both, not one.
Never take photos of customers, payment screens or staff rooms for social media. It can get you fired or sued.
If you ever feel pressured to lie about your age or hours, that is the employer's problem, not yours.
You can quit. A job is a deal, not a trap. We will help you do it the right way.

Settings to review

•Bank account set up appropriately (under-16 child account, 16+ youth account).
•Phone with location sharing active during shifts.
•Workplace contacts saved (manager number, second key adult).
•Social media set to private; workplace tagged in nothing.
•Camera roll backups switched on in case images are needed for a complaint.
•Calendar shared with parent showing shifts and start/end times.
•Work permit copy stored in your family records.

Red flags

Cash-in-hand only, with no payslips or written hours.
Asked to lie about age, hours, or what they do.
Lone working with an adult in a closed space.
Manager messaging on personal social media outside work.
Pressure to do tasks not on the agreed list (deliveries, alcohol service, gambling).
Bruises, exhaustion, or sudden mood changes linked to shifts.

Review in 30 days

Come back to these questions

→Check the payslip matches the hours worked.
→Confirm the work permit is still valid and on file.
→Ask what they enjoy and what feels uncomfortable.
→Review school grades and sleep since starting.
→Look at their social posts for workplace photos or details.
→Discuss whether the hours are still right for school terms.
→Decide together if anything needs raising with the employer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last reviewed: 2026-05-20Next review: 2026-11-20Reviewed against: UK safeguarding practice

This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.