Working Time Regulations                                                                     

Working Time Regulations for Younger Workers

There are rules that regulate what times of the day young workers can work and for how long.

These are different depending on your age.

If you are 14

There are a lot of rules that control working hours of children.  The basic ones are:

• During term time, you can only work for two hours on weekdays and Sundays
• During term time, you can only work for five hours on Saturdays
• During a school holiday, you can work for up to five hours on a week day
• During a school holiday, you can work for up to five hours on a Saturday
• During a school holiday, you can't work for more than two hours on a Sunday
• You cannot work before 7.00 am or after 7.00 pm on any day

If you are 15 or 16

If you're 15 or 16 and are working while you're still at school, your rights are almost identical to those of 14 year olds. However, you are allowed to work for up to eight hours on Saturdays or during the school holidays.

If you are 16 or 17

If you're no longer at school and you're 16 or 17, the law refers to you as a 'young worker'. Because you will no longer be at school, there are fewer restrictions on when you can work and for how long, but there are still some rules.

Because you've reached school leaving age, you may find that employers may be more willing to offer you part-time or full-time employment. You're also not limited to just 'light work', so you'll be allowed to work in places like a busy shop, restaurant kitchen or as a waiter or waitress.

National Minimum wage

You become eligible for the National Minimum Wage when you're older than school leaving age (you're under school leaving age until the end of the summer term of the school year in which you turn 16). The rate of minimum wage will then depend on your exact age.

                     To find out more about the minimum wage click here

       Also read     Age Regulations 2006   Minimum Wage   Time off for study/training

New annual leave entitlement

As of 1st April 2009 you are entitled to 5.6 weeks holidays time with pay - at least 28 days paid holiday for employees working five days a week. This is worked out on a pro-rata basis for part time workers.

You might have to take public holidays such as Christmas, Easter and Bank Holidays from your entitlement but this should be set out in your contract or written statement. Employers may specify exactly when you can take your holiday.

When you leave a job, you should get paid for any holiday you have not taken. You will continue to be entitled to your holiday leave throughout any ordinary and additional maternity leave and paternity and adoption leave.

Detailed guidance can be found at www.berr.gov.uk/employment/holidays

             Need more information on your rights?  See below...

Employment rights for young people: To find out more about your employment rights visit the Direct.Gov website HERE.

For help with matters relating to this ACAS National Helpline can be contacted on 08457 474747 or refer to the ACAS website at: www.acas.org.uk.

       Below are some useful employment related downloads

You will need the FREE Adobe reader to view these PDF files. If you don't have this Click here. Files can then be viewed on screen (left mouse click) or downloaded to your PC (right mouse click then "Save Target As...").

1.1) Right to time off for study or training [221k]
            Check your right to paid time off work to study or train.
1.2) Looking for part-time and casual work [198k]
            A useful document if you are looking for part time or casual work.
1.3) Working while still at school [223k]
            Important information about working if you are still at school.

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