Apply for a child employment permit

Parents should take an active interest in their child’s employment experience and be satisfied that their child's health, safety, welfare and education will not suffer.

Guidance for parents and children

Part-time work can be a positive experience for children, helping them develop confidence and gain new skills. However, their education, health, and wellbeing must always come first.

You should read the information about the type of work school-age children can legally do and the rules on where and when they can work.

Parents or carers

Parent and carer’s role in the application process

You are responsible for:

  • Reviewing the application details, including the job role, duties, and working hours
  • Providing consent for your child to work
  • Checking the risk assessment and understanding any identified risks and control measures
  • Sharing the school information form with your child’s school and following up if needed
  • Completing Section 2 of the application and providing accurate information 
  • Providing required documents, including proof of your child’s age

Parent and carer’s safeguarding responsibilities

Preparing your child for work

You can support your child by:

  • Explaining the importance of meeting workplace standards and expectations
  • Helping them understand how to deal with difficult situations

Keeping your child safe

  • Meet the employer before work starts and share your contact details
  • Ensure their welfare is protected and they are not being exploited
  • Know what they are doing and regularly talk to them about their experience
  • Keep a record of their working hours
  • Monitor their wellbeing and ensure work does not affect their education
  • Ensure work does not interfere with school attendance or punctuality
  • Ensure they have enough time for homework, rest, and family life
  • Watch for any changes in their appearance, behaviour, routine, or habits
  • Remind them they should speak up if something makes them uncomfortable
  • Raise any concerns with the employer or local authority, if needed

Children

Important information you need to know

If you want to work, your employer must apply for an employment permit with the local authority.

To stay safe and have a positive experience, make sure you understand:

Safeguarding concerns

If you wish to speak to someone or report a concern, please use our online contact form

If an incident occurs that you're unhappy about or makes you feel uncomfortable it's very important that you share your concerns with someone.

  • Talk to an adult who you feel may be able to help with this matter. This could be your parent, legal guardian or a teacher
  • Report this to the Child Performance and Employment Team, using our online contact form
  • Further support can be found at childline.org.uk