Working in year 8 and 9 can be a useful way of earning some extra money to enable you to do things that you enjoy doing; going to the cinema, shopping in town or buying a football ticket.
There are different opportunities available to you and working a few hours on the weekend or in the holidays will certainly boost your income, but just as importantly it will give you some good experiences of working life providing you with vital skills such as timekeeping, listening to instructions and communicating with colleagues.
These skills would stand you in good stead for the future.If you are under 16 you can only work if you’ve registered for a work permit. To get a permit your application form must be signed by your parent or carer. Your employer will then apply for a work permit for you. The law limits the hours you can work and the kind of work that you can do. You can only do ‘light work’ that keeps you safe from danger and does not interfere with your school work.
The rules are:
Term time
- 2 hours on weekdays and Sundays
- 5 hours on Saturdays
- Maximum of 12 hours a week
School holidays
- 5 hours on weekdays and Saturdays
- 2 hours on Sundays
- Maximum of 25 hours a week
You may not work before 7am or after 7pm.
There is no national minimum wage for young people under 16.
