Ask The Expert: Y is for... Young People in Employment

Legislation applies to the overseeing of children and young people, who are legitimately employed in the UK. This legislation prevents children under the age of 14 from being employed however, this can, and often is, relaxed by local authority byelaws so that 13-year-old children could be employed to complete, for example, a paper round.

There are industries where children need to obtain licences, for example in order to participate in live performances. There are also extensive requirements in certain industries relating to being chaperoned and to ensure they are receiving a full and proper education whilst working. This can involve limiting working hours etc. We would advise that if an employer is ever considering employing someone in these circumstances, to seek legal advice in the first instance.