Child Employment Legislation
- No child under 13 can be employed.
- No child shall be employed in any occupation other than in an occupation specified in the schedule.
- No child of compulsory school age can work before 7:00 am or after 7:00 pm.
- Employers must apply for a work permit for all child employees to the Children in Entertainment and Employment Team.
Child Employment Guide
All matters relating to the hours, days and permitted occupations the young person is permitted to work is contained within the guidance below and should be read before the application form is completed. Failure to complete the form properly will result in a rejection of the application and a delay to the commencement of employment of the young person.
13 & 14 years old
| When | How Long |
|---|---|
|
School Days |
Not more than 2 hours in one day, outside the school hours this may include up to one hour before school. |
| Saturday | 5 hours a day |
| Sunday | 2 hours a day - Maximum of 12 hours per week during term time |
| School Holidays |
5 hours a day to a maximum of 27 hours a week The child must have at least 2 consecutive weeks off work between 1 July & 31 August. |
15 & 16 years old
| When | How Long |
|---|---|
|
School Days |
Not more than 2 hours in one day, outside the school hours this may include up to one hour before school. |
| Saturday | 7 hours a day |
| Sunday | 2 hours a day - Maximum of 12 hours per week during term time |
| School Holidays |
7 hours a day to a maximum of 37 hours a week The child must have at least 2 consecutive weeks off work between 1 July & 31 August. |
Permitted Occupations
- Delivery of newspapers, milk, groceries, food, flowers or drapery goods.
- Office work except in premises licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor, betting or gaming.
- Hotel and catering work except in the kitchen or portions of premises licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor, betting or gaming.
- Light agricultural work or horticultural work for the parents of the child concerned.
When applying for an employment permit it is necessary for the employer (applicant) to obtain written consents of both the parent and the young person for whom they seek to employ. These consents should be kept by the employer for the term that the permit is issued and provided for inspection upon the request of EA.