Minimum ages children can work

Part-time work

The youngest age a child can work part-time is 13, except children involved in areas like:

  • television
  • theatre
  • modelling

Children working in these areas will need a performance licence.

Full-time work

Children can only start full-time work once they’ve reached the minimum school leaving age - they can then work up to a maximum of 40 hours a week.

Once someone reaches 16, you may need to pay them through PAYE.

Once someone reaches 18, adult employment rights and rules then apply.

In England, a young person must be in part-time education or training until they’re 18.