Employment of children and young people

There are certain rules and processes you should follow if you are:

• a child or young person who is undertaking part-time employment
• the parent or carer of a child or young person who is undertaking part-time employment
• an employer

Children and young people refers to those under school leaving age – GOV.UK.

Apply for a part-time employment pupil permit

Anyone who employs a young person on a part-time basis (aged between 13 and 16) must obtain a permit to undertake employment. 

As a parent or carer, you must agree to the employment and sign the form. The form must be completed in this order by:

1. the pupil 
2. a parent
3. the proposed employer
4. the school

You can also request a form from the school office.

Advice and byelaws on employing children and young people

There are local byelaws that outline the guidelines and protocols for businesses and organisations that employ children and young people.  

Employers have a special duty to ensure that children's experience in work is safe and healthy, as well as enjoyable and rewarding.

The education authority schools handbook contains advice on employing school age pupils:

If your child intends to take up part-time employment you and your child should inform the school and look at Employment of Children: a guide for children – Scottish Government.