I am a small local business – can I hire an under-16-year-old?

Most young people that we recommend to businesses are 16 or over, but sometimes you may also want to hire someone who is still school age (typically <16), Here, it depends on the kinds of activity your business is involved in and the kind of tasks that you would need the under-16 to perform. 

Employment of children is governed by Law and Local Byelaws. It is the responsibility of employers of children to ensure that:

- No child under 14 years of age is employed (a child of 13 may be employed in one of the permitted types of employment listed in the Byelaws) such as employment in ‘industrial undertaking’, in an environment that may result in exposure to toxic substances or radioactive materials. Sale of alcohol or being on premises, largely focused on sale of alcohol is also prohibited for under 16's, as well as working in a commercial kitchen.

- No child is employed in a prohibited occupation

- Children are employed for the correct number of hours; and

- Children are dressed and equipped suitably for the job indoors and out and children are employed only in light work.

Local Authority byelaws and guidelines should be used to make a decision in which areas a school-age child can be employed and also to potentially seek a work permit, if deemed necessary.  

Notes:

1.  A child is of compulsory school age until the last Friday in June in the school year in which they reach the age of 16

2.  For the purposes of relevant legislation, a young person is considered to be employed if they assist in a business which operates for profit