During Child Employment Awareness Month, Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ is reminding businesses that employ children aged 13 to compulsory school leaving age that a child employment permit may be required to comply with child employment law. Permits are free of charge and are issued by the Local Authority where the child works.
In Wales, child employment is governed by Part II of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and Part II of the Children and Young Persons Act 1963, alongside local authority byelaws (which may be more restrictive).
Children under 13 are generally prohibited from employment (except for some licensed performance/entertainment activity).
The welfare of children is paramount. Where children do undertake part-time work opportunities, employers must ensure that the child’s health, wellbeing, safety, and education are protected.
During Child Employment Awareness Month, Council officers will be raising awareness with employers to help ensure young people in part-time jobs are safe and working legally.
- No child may be employed before 7.00am or after 7.00pm on any day.
- No child may work for more than 4 hours without a break of at least 1 hour.
- No child can work for more than 2 hours on a Sunday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
- During term time, no child can be employed for more than 12 hours per week.
- Local authority byelaws may further restrict permitted jobs, locations and hours.
For advice about permits and local rules, contact the Local Authority where the child will work.
You can also view the Welsh Government child employment rules poster and permitted hours guidance online:
•
•
Further information is available from the National Network for Children in Employment and Entertainment (NNCEE):
•
•