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Copleston High School

Child Employment Regulations

Does Your Child Have a Part Time Job?

If so, they must have a Work Permit. This includes Year 11’s that have had their 16th Birthday!
Without a Work Permit, a child is working illegally and is therefore not covered by the Employers Liability Insurance. A child working for a family member’s business - including their parents, requires a permit.

Application forms are available from the school office, the SCC website https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/children-families-and-learning/keeping-children-safe/apply-for-a-child-employment-permit or by phoning the number below.

The form needs to be completed by the prospective employer, parents/carers of the child. It must be returned with a passport sized photograph to the address on the form. 

The hours school children may work are regulated by Suffolk County Council bylaws.

  • No child shall start work before 7am or work after 7pm on any day of the week.
  • School children can work a maximum of 12 hours a week in term time.
  • On a school day a child may work a maximum of 2 hours- either 1-hour between 7am and 8.30am and 1 hour after school but before 7pm, or 2 hours after school.
  • On Saturdays 13 and 14 year old may work up to 5 hours and 2 on a Sunday
  • On Saturdays 15 year olds may work up to 8 hours and 2 on Sundays.
  • If a child has below average school attendance or poor punctuality then a Work Permit will not be issued. If a pupil’s attendance or punctuality falls a Work Permit may be withdrawn.

For further information contact:

Suffolk County Council’s Child Employment Officer: 01473 265195