Child Employment

Shropshire Council have a joint working partnership with Telford and Wrekin Council in the management of child employment and performance licencing.

The Basic laws:

Under national laws, and Telford and Wrekin and Shropshire Council by-laws, licences can only be issued within strictly defined limits:

  • All work must be 'light duties' only
  • Children must be at least 13 years old to be employed
  • 13-year-olds can only do a job on a specified list
  • No child under school leaving age can work before 7am or after 7pm on any day (including school holidays)
  • No child can be employed for more than two hours on a school day and certainly not during school hours
  • No child can be employed for more than 12 hours in a school week (including the weekend)
  • Sunday employment is restricted to two hours only between 7am and 7pm

Saturdays and in school holidays

13-14 year olds

13-14 year olds can work a maximum five hours per day, up to 25 hours in total per week, with a one-hour break after four hours).

15-16 year olds

15-16 year olds can work up to eight hours per day, and 35 hours in total per week, (with a one-hour break after four hours).

Work falling outside these restrictions is illegal and can't be licensed.

All employed children must take two consecutive weeks holiday per year from any form of employment.

There are laws in place to protect children who are of school age and who work part-time or who are involved in entertainment, sporting activities or modelling.

Here you can find out more information to ensure your child is safe.

Many children enjoy getting a part-time job. This could include being a waitress or waiter, working in a shop, a paper round or working in the family business.

Here you can find information about the law, how to apply for a work permit and advice on the sort of work a child can do.

It's important that a child has a work permit. Without a work permit a child will be working illegally and without insurance.

Visit the National Network for Children in Employment and Entertainment (NNCEE) for information about child employment and child performance.

EC1 - Child employment permit application form

Please consult with your Education Welfare Officer in the first instance for guidance.

Completed application by email to child.employment@telford.gov.uk